Join the PTSA for 2021-2022

Bear Essentials #14

October 28, 2020

Principal's Message

Dear Brown School Family,

Joining our PTSA is one of the easiest ways to support our school. A membership is only $5, and members have access to resources on Member Hub and are also added to the distribution list for all PTSA communications. Additionally, our PTSA provides an array of opportunities to use your gifts/talents to make our Brown School family even better. Sure, we need people to serve on committees and volunteer their time at events, but there are other ways to serve, too! Sometimes our PTSA organizes a breakfast for teachers/staff and we simply need some families to drop off a dozen doughnuts or some fresh fruit. At other times, we just need people to work a table or booth at an event - think working a Duck Pond for one hour of our Annual Fall Festival. If not for the hard work of our PTSA, we wouldn't have our wonderful green space and playground at Peace Park. Our PTSA board has even more wonderful ideas in store for our remarkable students! If your student is a sixth grader or above, they can join our PTSA as well! Please take a moment today and join! We really need your support. Come partner with us. Click HERE to join.

Today is our Open House for Prospective Students. We have put together an Open House Site with video messages from many of our teachers, staff, and students, to provide more information about our unique learning environment. Prospective families can also view a program tour and a building tour on our Admissions Site. Tonight at 6:30 PM, we will be hosting a Facebook Live session in which Shawn, Brian, and I will be answering questions about our school and the admissions process. You can find our Facebook Page HERE. Families with additional questions can register for a Zoom Meeting session on the Admissions Site as well.

Warm regards,

Dr. Angela, Principal

Virtual Open House for Prospective Students

Admissions for 2021-22

Star Students

Star Students are recognized for last week!

Return to In-Person School Plan

This Week's Essentials

Year Book Photo Options

Hey Brown Bears!

Due to unprecedented times, photo day is cancelled because of JCPS restrictions; our county is currently in the “red zone”. We have devised new options for submitting student portraits for the 2021 yearbook. Each student must fill out the Google Form linked below.

The deadline is November 13, 2020.

You can choose one of three options which is best for your student:

Use last year’s photo: Just fill out the form and let us know!

Take your own portrait at home: We request that the photo be a headshot of shoulders and above with the student looking at the camera. Please position your student in front of a neutral background. Just insert the photo in a google doc and share the doc to our form where indicated. Yearbook staff reserves the right to crop or zoom the photo so that no one student takes attention from another.

Contact our normal photo day photographer Martha Work for a socially distant photo for photo day. You can get in contact with her via email at mwork55@gmail.com or her phone number (502) 899-3146. She will send us the photos, but please still fill out the form indicating you took your photos with Martha.

Media Submission Link: https://forms.gle/6Dbq8bHtD6ooLRJCA

Thank you and stay safe!

Yearbook Team

Turkey Distribution

50 Turkeys have been donated to J. Graham Brown by Syndicate Tax. Turkeys will be awarded on a 1st come 1st serve basis to the first 50 Brown Bear families who fill out THIS FORM.

In order to sign-up for a turkey you MUST have a Brown School student. You also must be able to pick up the turkey on Tuesday, November 24th from 1-4pm at one of the following locations- 3314 Preston Highway, 1100 W. Central Avenue, or 1809 W. Broadway. NO TURKEYS WILL BE DELIVERED.

What's In A Name?

My name is Ashley Chesman and I am the mom of 2 Brown School students: Kaileigh, in 8^th grade, and Lincoln, in 6^th grade. I am also one of your parent representatives on the SBDM Council, a position which I take very seriously and am proud to hold.

JCPS has asked each Principal to examine their school’s name and mascot for racial inequities. The leadership at the school has determined that a bear is equitable and holds no bias. As for the name of our school, J. Graham Brown, we have some questions. We know that J. Graham Brown was a businessman and real estate developer and that he built the Brown Hotel where the teachers of Martha Ellison’s school held classes until they found a permanent home. We don’t know why we’re named the J. Graham Brown school or who J. Graham Brown really was. A quick internet search tells us he was a known segregationist, and the Council has decided the name of our school needs to be researched.

We have decided to create a taskforce with stakeholders to learn more. I am the chair of the taskforce, and I need YOU. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, alumni, student, community member, or historian, we need your help. We will research more about who J. Graham Brown was, how his foundation continues to contribute to the city, the implication of keeping his name, or whether we think the name should be changed. Please note that the JCPS Board of Education has sole authority of the naming of the school. We can present our findings to them, but the decision to move forward will ultimately be theirs.

If you’d like to be on the task force, please e-mail me at Ashley@chesmanfamily.com. I will set up a Zoom meeting within the next couple of weeks where we can determine next steps.

Tech @Brown

PROBLEM: How do I use the camera on my Chromebook?

SOLUTION: The art teacher needs a picture of your color wheel assignment, or maybe you need to submit a picture of a mask you made to your 5th grade teacher. Click HERE for a how-to handout.

If you are having technical difficulties, please visit the Tech@Brown website which is linked off of our homepage under PARENT and STUDENT. It 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!

Click here to join. Membership Info here

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: end of October.

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.

ALL EXISTING ORDERS WILL SHIP THIS 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 PM
~~September 22, 2020, 5:30 PM~~
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)

Counselors

*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. THE DEADLINE TO ORDER AND PAY FOR TESTS IS OCTOBER 30. No tests will be ordered after that date. An email will be sent to the parent with instructions on how to pay for the tests on My School Bucks. If you did not receive an email, contact Pam at pam.willison@jefferson.kyschools.us .

AP Test Commitment Form

*ATTENTION SENIORS! Get the Evolve502 Scholarship!

Evolve502 will give every JCPS graduate the opportunity for a tuition-free, two-year college degree, certificate or training. The Evolve502 Scholarship is a "last dollar "scholarship program. The scholarship covers a student’s tuition after federal and state aid have been applied. Go here for more information and to apply!

*ATTENTION 8TH GRADERS!

Is your student planning to attend a high school other than Brown? See the High School Choices Book for more info.

Application period: November 2, 2020 - December 16, 2020

Students who apply during the application period will be notified of the status of their application by April 1, 2021.

Students planning to return to Brown for High School DO NOT need to fill out an application. Enrollment will be automatic.

*The Vogt Scholarship Application is open

Please visit below to access the scholarship application. The application will close Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. EST. Based on funds available, this $12,000 scholarship is awarded to one qualifying student from each JCPS high school.

In order to be considered for the award, a student must have:

· Demonstrated leadership in school, extracurricular, and community activities

· A cumulative (weighted) GPA of 3.2 or higher

· An ACT score of 25 or higher, or an SAT score of 1200 or higher

· Completed and/or enrolled in Advanced Placement or equivalent college-level curriculum

Vogt Application

*Craft and Gatton Academies for Sophomores:

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is a dual-credit residential high school for academically exceptional Kentucky students. The Craft Academy's purpose is to meet the unique educational needs of academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors in the Commonwealth. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through project-based STEM+X courses and hands-on learning experiences, with emphasis on innovation, design and creativity, and civic and regional engagement.

For more information on Craft Academy visit: www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Housed on the campus of Western Kentucky University, students take college classes, engage in faculty-led research, and have the ability to study abroad.

For more information Gatton Academy visit: https://www.wku.edu/academy/about/index.php

*(ms)2 STEM Summer Program for Freshmen:

FREE SUMMER STEM PROGRAM - APPLY NOW!

Accepted African American, Latinx, and Native American students receive full scholarships that include roundtrip airfare.

Click here for more info!

*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: Take time for YOU during this stressful, uncertain time. If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot take care of your family. Let me help you get started with this "self-care thing" by giving me 2 min and 16 sec to relax and listen to this legendary song that makes me smile - hope it does the same for you. I play my flute along to songs like this one when I visit classrooms for my CCC lessons to help kids to decompress and relax a little because it's never too early to teach the importance of self-care. Enjoy! (What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Christy Teague)

On a lighter note....Quick Rant during homeschooling

Visit the NEW Parent Coffee Shop to see what's happening now and explore helpful parent NTI resources.

Need Miss Christy?

email me at christy.teague@jefferson.kyschools.us

Family Matters

JCPS Nutrition Services will distribute 3 of each meals at food sites on Monday, 11/2 since schools are closed on 11/3 for Election Day.

FRYSC News:

NTI Support:

Louisville Free Public Library is offering NTI/homework support for kids and teens. Click here: http://bit.ly/LFPLNTIHomeworkHelp
#HUGReadingProgram (Help Us Grow) is offering FREE virtual tutoring and reading support for 2nd & 3rd graders. Tutoring occurs through Zoom or Google Classroom. Please visit http://bit.ly/HugReadingProgram and click on “Become a H.U.G. Student” to get signed up
Neighborhood House--201 N. 25th St, 40212. Monday-Friday, full day. NTI supervision and assistance. Space is limited and priority is given to children in their youth development program, call 774-2322 for details.
Portland Promise Center--1831 Baird St, 40203. Space is limited. Call 776-2635 for details and availability.
Louisville Central Community Center Camp Chrome--1300 W. Muhammad Ali. K-5 students, Monday-Friday, 8-4, breakfast, lunch, and snack provided. NTI supervision and assistance from Academic Coaches. Low weekly rates and tuition assistance available. Call 583-8822

Inside the Lines NTI Educational Camp--2521 Crums Lane. For Grades 1-8, 2 daily sessions 9am-12pm or 1:30-4:30pm. Students will be assisted by certified teachers. Call 298-4408 or go to http://bit.ly/InsideTheLinesNTI for more information and to register.

Kentuckiana Boys and Girls Clubs--Shawnee, Parkland, and Newburg are open and have limited spots available. Visit their website for contact information http://bit.ly/KYanaBoysGirlsClubs.

YMCA Full Day Virtual Learning Childcare Program--Chestnut Street YMCA and limited CEP locations, go here for more info and registration: https://bit.ly/YMCAChildcareOptions

NTI from the Frazier--829 W. Main St. NTI supervision and assistance for 2nd-9th graders at the Frazier Museum: https://bit.ly/FrazierMuseumNTI

Camp J 365--3600 Dutchman's Lane. The Jewish Community Center (JCC) will offer a combination NTI/Camp childcare program, call 459-0660 or click here: http://bit.ly/JCCCamp365 for details.

Kentucky Science Center--727. W. Main. Camp NTI for K-6th graders. Go here for more info and registration: http://bit.ly/KYScienceCtrNTI

Parklands Forest Learning Lab NTI--Structured NTI assistance, homework help, and outdoor exploration time. For grades 1-6, 8-4 daily. Contact Anna Rosales-Crone at 502-815-0267 or acrone@21cparks.org for more information.

Kentucky Gymnastics Academy--1160 Avoca Station Court, Louisville Ky, 40245. Monday through Friday full and half day options. Supervised NTI/schoolwork time as well as play time in the gym. Certified K-5 teacher onsite. For more information: http://bit.ly/KYGymnasticsNTI

Community Study Center Peewee Valley--209 Lagrange Rd, Louisville, Ky 40056. 8-3 Monday through Friday. Supervised assistance with NTI as well as games, music, and outside time. http://bit.ly/ComStudyCenterNTI

Wesley House--5114 Preston Hwy, 40213. 968-1231. Monday-Thursday, 8-4:30, 1st-8th, FREE.

Hwangs Martial Arts--Three locations, Okolona location accepts 3 C's. Full day. http://bit.ly/HwangsNTI

United Crescent Hill Ministries--150 S. State Street, 40206. 2 hour blocks 2 days a week. FREE. http://bit.ly/UnitedCrescentHillNTI

GymTyme--13000 Eastgate Pkwy, 40223. Monday-Friday, full day, K-12, NTI/tumbling program. http://bit.ly/GymTimeNTI

All About Kids--Full day, choose 1-5 days/week, ages 4-14. Part camp/part NTI help. Two locations. http://bit.ly/AllAboutKidsNTI

GradePower Learning--12338 Shelbyville Rd, 40223. Monday-Thursday 12-7pm. Can be virtual or in person. Call for more information 822-5576. http://bit.ly/GradePowerLearningNTI

More Parent Support

The JCPS School Choice (Application) Period runs from November 2nd-December 12th. If you have a child going into Kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grade in the 2021-22 school year, NOW is the time to start planning for that transition. Use this link to explore your options for school choice. http://bit.ly/JCPSShowcase2020

FREE Operation Parent Workshop--The Effects of Social Distancing on Social Emotional Development Tue, Oct 27, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: https://bit.ly/EffectsOfSocialDistancing

313-CARE, Monday-Thursday 3-7pm. Call 313-CARE (2273) for counseling assistance and referrals for emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs as well as referrals for basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, and utilities.

JCPS 360° Student & Family Support Center, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. At Humana's Waterside Building. Log-in help for NTI, special education assessments/screenings, school choice assistance, translation assistance and physicals. Make an appointment here: http://bit.ly/JCPS360Appt

Athletics

High School Fall Sports:

Our cross country team had a great day at the KHSAA regionals on Saturday. Our girls team is the regional runner up and are heading to State this Saturday. Taylor Morris finished 2nd, Trista Morris- 4th, Stella Ford- 9th, Liltoyria Bohler- 12th, Lacie Motsinger- 18th, and Maisie Smith 23rd.

Ezekiel Isom finished 6th in the region and Duffy Oakley finished 30th for the boys, both qualifying for the KHSAA State Meet next Saturday.

Our boys team finished 5th, one point away from 4th and making State. Our boys team consisted of Ezekiel Isom, Duffy Oakley, Ryan Bailey, Michael Stenton, Tim Beacham and Austin Vitato. Great job boys!

Our coaches, Dave Jaggers and Ben Kolb have done an incredible job this season keeping our students safe and preparing them for this moment.

We are so proud of both teams and wish the girls team, Ezekiel and Duffy the best of luck Saturday at State. Great job Bears!!!

]Winter sports have kicked off this week as basketball started this past Monday , Bowling and swimming will start on 11/2, and cheer/dance the week of 11/9. 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- Josh Luttrell rja172307@gmail.com

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 postponed until we return to school.

Elementary Fall Sports:

All fall elementary sports are postponed at least until we return to school.

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

Our students keep doing great things!! Did you know that your child can get one-on-one help with their defense during our office hours? Ask your child where they are with their defense and then encourage them to visit with Norah, Amy, Amanda and/or Robin between the hours of 2-3pm.

Do you have questions? Check out our BACKPACK NEWSLETTER or email Amy or Norah. 🎒

Community Events

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