Bear Essentials #38
May 12, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
It's hard to believe that the 2020-21 school year will be ending in just over two weeks from today. It has been a whirlwind, and one that I hope we never repeat! However, I do strongly believe that through all the challenges that our students and staff have faced this year, we have all grown in ways that we never would have imagined possible. Breaking through every one of those challenges has resulted in growth in our Self-Directed Learning pillars - Independence, Empathy, Initiative, and Innovation. As the vaccines are approved for younger people, I grow in my sense of hope for next school year.
JCPS has several engaging and fun Summer Learning opportunities for students in pre-school through 12th grade. Please check out what is available and enroll your student!
Parents of seniors, please make sure your student is checking their Class of 2021 Google Classroom. There is a lot of information about ordering tickets for the Commencement Ceremony, as well as cords from Beta Club and NHS.
Warm regards,
Dr. Angela, Principal
Quick Links
What are we doing with devices over the break?
Students returning to Brown School next year will KEEP their devices over the break.
Students NOT returning to Brown School next year must return their student device on or before May 27 to Amy or Anitra in the library.
Please call or text Amy at 502-398-3450 if you have any questions.
End of the School Year Recognitions
As you know, our students in kindergarten, 5th, and 8th grades typically participate in end-of-the-year recognition programs. With the pandemic, we are unable to have these programs last school year, but we are excited to share that we will be able to recognize students this school year with some limitations. The schedule for those recognitions is listed below.
Wednesday, May 19th (Virtual Recognition for 5th and 8th Grade Virtual Students)
12:30 PM: Virtual 5th Grade Students
1:30 PM: Virtual 8th Grade Students
Monday, May 24th (5th Drive-Through Recognition for In-Person Students)
12-1 PM: In-Person Group A Students
1-2 PM: In-Person Group B Students
Tuesday, May 25th (Virtual Recognition for Virtual Kindergarten Students)
8 AM: Virtual Kindergarten Students
Tuesday, May 25th (Kindergarten Drive-Through Recognition for In-Person Students)
1-2 PM: In-Person Group A Students
Wednesday, May 26th (Kindergarten Drive-Through Recognition for In-Person Students)
1-2 PM: In-Person Group B Students
Thursday, May 27th (8th Grade Drive-Through Recognition for In-Person Students)
12-1 PM: In-Person Group B Students
1-2 PM: In-Person Group A Students
More details will be provided as we approach these dates. Since we will be conducting the drive-through recognitions in front of our school, we will need to limit the number of vehicles present at a given time.
Please note that these drive-through recognitions will not be as extensive as in years past. There will be a limited amount of time to recognize each student, provide the opportunity for a photograph, and permit parents/guardians to sign students out for the remainder of the school day.
Special Note: Virtual students who would like to participate in the drive-through recognition will be given that opportunity. A Google Form will be emailed to those families to make that selection, and a time to report for the recognition will be provided as we approach the date. It will occur during the in-person recognition time provided above for the student's respective grade level.
The Infinite Campus Student Portal Login password is changing and will now match the JCPS student account login password (email, Google, Microsoft). This will make it easier for students as they move across and through JCPS systems.
The Infinite Campus Student Portal username (i.e., hydrate4) will remain the same but the password will now be the same as their email and Google password (ex. jcpsAB1234).
This Week's Essentials
Animal Welfare Club
Our next Meeting will be on Monday, May 17th at 4:00pm with a guest speaker from Alley Cat Advocates.
We had a wonderful guest speaker from Second Chances Wildlife Center this past Monday! A huge "Thank You" to Brigette for taking the time to talk with us about our local and international wildlife.
Our last meeting will be Monday, May 24th at 4:00pm. We will have a virtual pet party where we invite you to show us your pet on camera and celebrate our club's success so far! If you don't currently have a pet at home please show us a favorite plush animal or a photo of a favorite pet/animal.
UPCOMING Dates and Times:
Monday, May 17th @ 4:00pm - Alley Cat Advocates
Monday, May 24th @ 4:00pm - Last Meeting & Virtual Pet Party!
Please see your Google Classroom Page for Zoom link and passcode.
Please reach out to student club founder, Iris G., or sponsor, Stacey Powell, with any questions or concerns.
Backpack Defense Presentations
5TH GRADE NORTH STAR BACKPACK DEFENSES
Congratulations to our new group of 5th Graders for successfully completing their North Star Backpack Defense!
Ariana Burnside Eva EvansJack JewellJonah GreenwellJournei BrooksRyleigh GentryZala AnthonyVincent JarrellSamuel BensonJude GarrLeandro Estevez FallsLila CundiffMichael BoylesKaliyah ChowdhuryMason AckermanEmily BarrTerence BellHudson CampbellGrayson ClarkJustus EubanksIsla ForresterIsabella FreelandNoah Hedges
Stay tuned there will be more names next week! Every Wednesday 5th grade students will present their North Star Backpack Defense to a panel of staff members. If you are a parent of a 5th grader and have questions, please call or text Amy Thornton at 502-398-3450.
8TH AND 12TH GRADE NORTH STAR BACKPACK DEFENSES
WOW!! We only have 20 seniors left to defend and 18 in the 8th grade class. If you have questions about whether your student has completed their defense, please reach out to Norah.
Backpack Team
Grades K-5 Backpack Lead, amy.thornton@jefferson.kyschools.us
Check out our BACKPACK NEWSLETTER
Weekly Columns
Star Students
Please encourage your student to shine in showing off our school-wide expectations:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
Always Pursue Excellence
Due to KPREP testing this week, we did not have Star Students.
Family Resource Youth Service Center
Hello! I am Elona Mack, and I am Brown/Central FRYSC Coordinator. Need help? Your FRYSC is here to provide assistance. Click HERE for community resources.
Please contact me with questions or concerns.
Email: Elona.mack@jefferson.kyschools.us
Phone: 502-631-9146
Parent Teacher Student Association
2021 PTSA MEETINGS
May 18, 2021, 5:30 PM
PTSA Elections
2021 SBDM and PTSA Elections
We are holding elections for open SBDM Parent Representatives and PTSA Offices positions for the next school year. Please look for the ballots for those elections next week.
PTSA at the Brown School: We encourage families to join the PTSA now, to stay involved in Brown School PTSA activities, fundraisers, teacher appreciation events, and more. Membership is an easy and affordable way to stay connected to your child's education and support the school.
-Become a PTSA member and get a window decal-CLICK HERE
-Attend the next PTSA Meeting - CLICK HERE
-Support PTSA fundraising efforts - CLICK HERE
-Read about our members - CLICK HERE
Walter Zausch, PTSA President
brownptsa.president@gmail.com
Return to school safely and with spirit!
Brown School Bears Masks, now available in the
Adjustable one-size-fits-all
Washable
2-ply
Sleek behind the ear design with adjustable banding.
Comfortable, breathable inner layer, 100% cotton.
Fulfillment will happen in school.
Order today by visiting our MemberHub Store!
Counselors
CLICK HERE to visit the Counseling Corner. It's your one-stop-shop for answers to most of your questions K-12!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-5)
From Christy Teague, Elementary School Counselor, christy.teague@jefferson.kyschools.us
KPREP Parent Information - Parents of students in grades 3-5, please read.
2021 School-Wide Testing Calendar
2021 Elementary School KPREP Calendar
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING (6-12)
From Pam Willison, Middle and High School Counselor, pam.willison@jefferson.kyschools.us
SBDM Update
SBDM Meeting
May 6, 2021
4:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting HERE
Agenda
Opening Business
Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of April 22, 2021
Sharing of the Vision
Public Comment
Committee Reports
Budget Report
Flexible Budget Summary
Activity Accounts: District-Based
New Business
Approval Request for Carryover Funds Proposal
Approval Request for School Fees Proposal
Adjournment
Athletics
High School Spring Sports
Our softball team picked up a big 44-24 win over Shawnee last week. That is the second most runs scored in a game in State history and tied for most runs scored in a game combined (68). Way to go ladies!!!
Baseball has begun their season and have been playing really well. We lost a 16-15 heartbreaker to Western on Tuesday night. They will be back in action Thursday at Whitefield and this weekend in the St. Francis tournament.
Tennis continues to play well and are gearing up for regionals next week. They will be at Fairdale Thursday to help build for the post season.
Our track team has continued to put up great numbers and personal bests. They will be at Male tonight and then take 2 weeks to prepare for Regionals. We are hoping to get everyone to State.
Fall Sports (next school year):
It is time to start getting ready for fall sports for next year. Our high school sports offerings include, cross country, golf, boys and girls soccer and volleyball. Practices will begin July 15th. If your high school student is interested in participating, please reach out to the coach listed below.
We are currently planning on middle school sports starting July 15th. Our list of fall middle school sports include cross country, golf (7th and 8th grade) and volleyball. We are currently searching for a middle school volleyball coach, so please reach out to Matt Davis or Justin Leonard if you are interested.
We are still unclear with what elementary sports will look like, or if we will be able to offer fall sports for elementary. We normally offer soccer (3rd-5th) and cross country (K-5) during the fall season, so please reach out if that interests your student. We need parent volunteers for soccer and cross country. If you are interested in coaching either team, please reach out to Justin Leonard or Josh Luttrell.
All student athletes are required to complete all athletic paperwork and hand it in at the first practice. Middle and high school coaches will also send out a link to pay athletic insurance when practices get closer. Elementary athletes will be required to turn in a sports physical before participating in any practices/games for the 2021-2022 school year. Elementary will use the middle school sports physical form that can be found on our website.
High School Fall Coaches:
Cross Country- David Jaggers- david.jaggers@jefferson.kyschools.us or Ben Kolb- bennet.kolb@jefferson.kyschools.us
Golf- Barry Bridges- abbridges@aol.com
Girls Soccer- Josh Luttrell- rja172307@gmail.com
Boys soccer- Steven Phillips- steven.phillips@bullitt.kyschools.us
Volleyball- Kathleen Mattingly- kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us
Athletic Director- Justin Leonard- Justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Middle School Sports:
Elementary and Middle School Spring Sports:
Cross Country- Ben Kolb- bennet.kolb@jefferson.kyschools.us
Golf- Barry Bridges- abbridges@aol.com
Volleyball- Contact Matt Davis or Justin Leonard
Athletic Director- Matt Davis- matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Elementary Sports:
Justin Leonard- justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Josh Luttrell- rja172307@gmail.com
Family Matters
Calling all families! Toyota USA and National Center for Families Learning along with support from WKYT are thanking teachers for this year by giving up to 25 teachers across Kentucky $1,000 each. Now through May 20, nominate your teacher to win by submitting a short video thanking them for all they’ve done.
Share your video now: bit.ly/ThankATeacherKY25
Please check out information about JCPS Summer Learning Options!
Community
Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council
WHO WE ARE:
The Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council (LYPC) provides a diverse team of up to 35 high school students (public, private and parochial) from Jefferson County, and those contiguous to it, with a hands-on experience in grant-making and philanthropy during a 16-week program on Saturdays during the school year (August - March).
LYPC strives to educate youth about philanthropy - thus creating an appreciation of our community needs and how they can be met. Whether that leads to a philanthropic career path or not, we are raising awareness for the “third-sector” of our country’s structure and the important role it plays. We also create civic engagement, teaching the students how to get involved in the community while we are developing the next generation of philanthropic leaders.
The LYPC is a free program and open to any high school students with a passion to make a difference and a commitment to learning. I have attached our 'teacher toolkit' and ‘student toolkits’ as well as a flyer that can be shared. The toolkits outline info about the program and applications can be completed online at https://www.lypc.org/apply-to-the-lypc.