Bear Essentials #19
December 9, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
With the end of 2020 in sight and a vaccine for the Coronavirus on the horizon, it's a great time to reflect on what this most challenging year has taught our students. A year ago, I never would have dreamed that we would have students as young as kindergarteners adept at using video conferencing platforms. I wouldn't have thought our students would be able to problem solve technology glitches as well as they can. I wouldn't have imagined our students would be self-monitoring their learning to this extent. Yes, 2020 has been challenging, but I'm proud of the growth and perseverance of our remarkable students.
Warm regards,
Dr. Angela, Principal
Table of Contents
This Week's Essentials
Need Elementary Art Submissions!
The Brown School yearbook staff is in desperate need of elementary art submissions. Your child's art might be featured in the yearbook. We want to include as many students as possible, you can submit any photos for consideration! There is even a place for you to write a brief caption and to tag your student. Follow these steps:
Type in ID Number 415553973
Contact robin.cash@jefferson.kyschools.us with questions.
Student Incentives for Pursuing Excellence
Many of our students, especially our new students, are having difficulty connecting with others during NTI due to students in their classes having their cameras turned off. Additionally, some students are having difficulty completing work during this time as NTI can be challenging. We want to encourage our students to keep their cameras on when possible, and we also want to encourage our students who are "pursuing excellence" during NTI by submitting student work that is above expectations.
Over the next two weeks, all teachers will be nominating students in their classes to receive a "Brown School Students Can Do Virtually Anything" tee shirt. Be sure to watch the video today (scroll down) and next week to see if your student is recognized. Families will be able to pick up their students' shirts during our "contactless" item pick up hours at our main entrance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 to 2:00 on days that school is in session.
Spirit Week is Next Week!
Monday: Dress for Success! Let’s flip the traditional PJ day and dress up!! Who has formal wear to rock?
Tuesday: Bring your pet or stuffed animal to school! Let’s see your coworkers!
Wednesday: Design your Background! Create a festive background for your workspace (virtual or non virtual).
Thursday: Wear a festive holiday hat/headband day!
Friday: Wear your ugliest & wackiest holiday attire during your live lessons!
Contact Information
Did you get a new phone number or email address? Have you recently moved? In order to be able to reach you about your student, it is critical that we have the correct information on file. Please be sure to let us know of any changes to phone number, email address, or emergency contacts. It is super simple! All you have to do is contact our Records Clerk, stacey.powell@jefferson.kyschools.us. This will insure that you do not miss any important information from our school and the district. You can also reach out to Stacey if you are unsure if your information is correct at 502-977-8246 or email stacey.powell@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Tech @Brown
Problem: Are you having constant technical problems with your Chromebook?
Solution: Remove and re-add your user account to your device. This can fix several known issues students are experiencing with apps, website sign-ins, and device preferences. If this does not fix your issue, please contact the Amy to arrange a replacement.
If your signed in, go to the control panel in the bottom right
On the sign in screen, click sign out Click on down-arrow next to username
Click "Remove this User"
At sign-in screen, add only the first part of the user account (before the @)
Enter password and see if your issue is resolved.
This short video above will help you reset your child's device.
If you are having technical difficulties, please visit the Tech@Brown website it offers various ways to get help, and is linked off of our homepage under both PARENT and STUDENT.
Email Amy Thornton, Call 502-398-3450, or visit https://bit.ly/browntech
Weekly Columns
PTSA
NEW JGBS Compass Window Decals. Free to all new PTSA Members.
All new 2020-2021 PTSA Members will receive our school compass sticker for your car, bike, notebook, office window, whatever! How do you get one of these beauties? Join the PTSA.
If you already have joined, you will get one mailed to your house as well. We will be requesting mailing addresses for all members that have previously joined.
2021 PTSA MEETINGS
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
Click HERE for Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 375 188 4140. Passcode: brownbears
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,3751884140#,,,,,,0#,,8297837183# US (Chicago)
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."
New in the Brown School Store
We've added the official Brown School Baseball Team cap. One size fits most. While you are there, check out the other merch. Sizes and inventory have been updated for all items.
Click here to shop the store.
November's Winners
Next PTSA Swag Bag drawing: January 2021
DECEMBER/JANUARY: New members signed-up during the month of December and January will be entered for a drawing into another gift bag of Brown School Merchandise, Clothing, and other goodies. We will announce winners here.
NOVEMBER'S WINNER IS BEN PHELAN! Congratulations!
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.
Visual Arts, Award of Excellence Winner
Reflections 2020 Awards.
Congratulations
Last Thursday, 15th District PTA recognized 49 students as winners in the Reflections program.
Three students from Brown School were also recognized and received the following awards:
Lucy O’Brien- Award of Merit in Dance Choreography
Amelia Hassett - Award of Excellence in Visual Arts
Athena Neagle - Creative Interpretation in Film Production - This entry will go to state competition.
Virtual Super Stars
Watch the video to see if your student is receiving one of our beautiful tees through this special, limited-time NTI recognition program!
Counselors
Visit the Counseling Corner HERE. It's your one-stop-shop for answers to most of your questions K-12!
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING (6-12) - from Pam Willison, School Counselor
From Pam Willison, Middle and High School Counselor
pam.willison@jefferson.kyschools.us
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-5) - from Christy Teague, Elementary School Counselor
From Christy Teague, Elementary School Counselor
Family Matters
TUTORING SUPPORT : JCPS is working with FEV Tutor to provide more than 5,000 hours of tutoring help to JCPS students grades 3-12. Students can sign up for online tutoring sessions which happen 24/7.
Watch this video for to learn how to book a session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqtfFzhKRY&t=4s
Contact FEV Tutor directly at ky@fevtutor.com or 855-763-2607
Remember to pick up your Winter Break Meals at JCPS Nutrition Sites on Thursday, 12/17. You will receive 11 days worth of lunches and breakfast and snacks for 19 days.
FRYSC News:
Please contact Elona Mack, our FRYSC Director if you need assistance.
Email: Elona.Mack@jefferson.kyschools.us Phone: 502-631-9146
Click HERE for a fantastic list of community resources.
This Week's Backpack Tip
We've been creating more video tutorials to help students develop quality presentations. They're posted in your child's google classroom. Watch them together and reach out if you have questions.
Check out our BACKPACK NEWSLETTER or email Amy or Norah. 🎒
Athletics
High School Fall Sports:
**Winter high school sports are currently postponed until at least 12/14. This includes all practices and competitions.
If anyone is interested in joining one of our winter sports teams, please reach out to the coaches as soon as possible. Anyone participating must have all eligibility forms completed. 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. Insurance fees can be paid at: MSB Link HERE
**We are in need of more girls on our bowling and basketball teams. If any student in grades 7th-12th is interested in participating, please reach out to our coaches ASAP.
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
Elementary and Middle School Fall Sports:
Elementary and middle school fall sports are postponed until we return to school.
Community Events
raiseRED Youth Philanthropy Conference
Hello!
This is Maddie, I just wanted to reach out to let you know about our Youth Philanthropy Conference. We would absolutely love to see some students and staff attend this conference.
In high school I was able to get involved with a college dance marathon and raise money for pediatric oncology and hematology within my own high school and it was such a life changing experience. Ever since, I have been raising money for these kids and their families, and I would love to help students within your school do the same.