J. Graham Brown School
Bear Essentials
July 28, 2021, Issue #1
Back To School 2021-22
In this first edition of the Bear Essentials for 2021-22, you will find important back to school information. This information is also available on the Back To School page of our website, www.mybrownschool.org/BTS.
Principal's Message
Dear Brown School family,
This is my 23rd year in education and my 14th year as part of the Brown School family, and I have to say that I am most excited about this one so far! I can't wait to have all my students back in school face-to-face five days a week! Last night we received information from our Board of Education about their mitigation plans for COVID-19 last night. Later this week, I will be working with our leadership team to ensure that we have all plans in place and are ready to safely serve your students.
For most of this week I've been in Greensboro, North Carolina taking part in the Institute for School Leaders executive development program, along with seven other principals from across the state of Kentucky. The courses are in Mastering Leadership Dynamics, and the training has been eye-opening! I will be participating in this program throughout the year virtually and during a few overnight visits to Frankfort, KY. I'm really grateful for the Kentucky Chamber and the Truist Foundation for funding this important program.
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
This Week's Essentials
Orientations, Meet & Greet, and Open House
All parent orientation sessions will occur virtually except for Kindergarten Camp.
Kindergarten Camp & Parent Orientation
Thursday, August 5th 10:30 AM-12:00 PM (group 1)
Thursday, August 5th 1:00-2:30 PM (group 2)
Click HERE to register for one group of Kindergarten Camp.
Click HERE for a special message from our kindergarten teachers, Ms. Carrie and Ms. Mayra.
New Parent Orientation (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th)
Wednesday, August 4th 12:30-1:30 PM
Click HERE to join the meeting.
6th Grade Parent Orientation
Thursday, August 5th 8:30-9:30 AM
Click HERE to join the meeting.
*6th grade students will take part in a special orientation during the first week of school.
9th Grade Parent Orientation
Friday, August 6th 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Click HERE to join the meeting.
*9th grade students will take part in a special orientation on the 1st Friday of school.
Meet & Greet
Tuesday, August 10th 1:00-2:30 PM
Our Meet & Greet is an opportunity to locate classrooms, join the PTSA, purchase Brown School swag, say "Hi" to teachers, drop off school supplies, put items in lockers, drop off paperwork, pick up car rider tags, and get any last minute questions answered.
Attendance at the Meet & Greet is highly encouraged this year for all students due to our renovation; many teachers are in new classrooms. Furthermore, all first time students to Brown should definitely attend to familiarize themselves with our facility prior to the first day of school.
Open House for Current Students
Thursday, September 16th 6:00-7:30 PM
Visit us during our open house to find out what your child has been learning so far and what is in store for the remainder of the year.
Beginning of Year Parent Paperwork
For the 2021-22 school year, most required school paperwork will be completed and submitted online. Please check back HERE to access the online form when it's closer to school starting.
Additional paperwork is required for kindergarten and 6th grade.
Required kindergarten paperwork
Required kindergarten and 6th grade paperwork can be submitted the following ways:
Scan the documents in PDF format and email them to our records clerk, Stacey Powell, at stacey.powell@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mail the documents to our school address: 546 S. First St. Louisville, KY 40202
Bring the documents to the Meet and Greet.
Bring the documents to Kindergarten Camp. (Kindergarten documents only.)
School Fees
At Brown School, we collect the Basic Fee (in green) from each student prior to school starting. After the 10th day of school and middle/high school student schedules are finalized, we collect the elective fees (in black) from those students.
MySchoolBucks (MSB) is a platform that JCPS has used for many years to allow parents to add money to their student’s meal account online. Signing up for an account is simple! Go to the MSB website by clicking here, search for the state your school district is in (Kentucky), select the district (Jefferson County Public Schools), fill in your contact information, and add student(s) to your account. All you need to have on hand for your student is their school name, child’s first and last name, and birthdate then you’re good to go!
Adding your default payment method also makes check-out quick and easy. Once you’re logged in, go to your profile icon in the upper right side of the screen and click on “My Billing Accounts” to get started. Note that the “AutoPay Settings” are strictly for low balances with meal accounts.
Once you start to receive invoices for your child via email for items like registration or course fees, a notification will pop up each time you log in, alerting you of outstanding invoices that are linked to your child’s (infinite campus) class schedule. Simply add them to your basket and checkout, using the default payment method you set up or a different payment method.
If you have any questions regarding your login information or the site settings, reach out to the MSB support team via online chat on the website or by calling 1-855-832-5226 (M-F, 7AM - 7PM). If you have questions regarding a particular invoice or product you want to purchase, please contact your school’s bookkeeper for more information and they can help get you the answers you need.
Healthy At School Update
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the Jefferson County Board of Education met to discuss and approve back-to-school expectations for keeping JCPS students, families, and staff safe. Brown School staff is currently reviewing the new policies to determine how to best implement them at the start of school. Stay tuned for more updates.
Important Information
Use the links below to access information on these topics.
Medical Forms
Other Announcements
Due to privacy issues, class lists will not be posted. Elementary families should receive a communication from their child's teacher by Friday, August 6th. Otherwise, staff will be available during the Meet and Greet to share elementary class assignments with families.
Sign Up for Notifications
School Messenger is the phone, email, and text messaging system used by Brown and JCPS to communicate our weekly newsletter, school cancellations, and safety alerts to you. It replaces our previous system. The following process will show you how to enter your contact information, set your preferences, and “opt-in” to continue receiving these messages from JCPS and/or your child’s school.
If you are a JCPS employee only, please click HERE for opt-in instructions.
If you are a JCPS parent or a JCPS employee AND parent, you may opt-in by texting the letter "Y" to 67587.
If you are a Brown School student, please click HERE to sign up.
If you'd like to customize the type of communications you'd like to receive on your phone or email, visit http://go.schoolmessenger.com and create an account. You can also set up and manage your contact information and preferences by downloading the [Blue] SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you have any issues with the attached instructions or require further assistance, please call the JCPS Technology Service Desk at (502) 485-3552.
Renovation Update
The multiyear building renovation of The J. Graham Brown School and Ahrens Educational Center has resulted in significant improvements to the building over the summer. Construction crews will continue to work up until the last possible moment to have this summer's phase of construction completed for the start of school. Additionally, ongoing work will be completed in the evenings during the school year, and more renovations are to come next summer.
We cannot wait for the entire Brown School family to see the improvements!
Highlights of this summer's renovations include
New HVAC for improved heating and cooling throughout the building
New classrooms and common area for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes
New counseling offices and Family Resource/Youth Service Center to better serve students and families
New windows in the atrium
Improved facility distinctions between Brown and Ahrens
And much, much more!
As building improvements continue into the school year, there will likely be some temporary inconveniences. Changes may occur in classroom locations, entrances and exits, and access to different areas. These temporary inconveniences will allow for long term benefits. Updates on such changes will be provided in the future.
Staff Additions
Robin Cash
Middle & High School Counselor
"I am so excited to guide Brown School's middle and high school students as they prepare to be upstanding citizens in both our Louisville and global communities. I have worked with Brown School students for seven years as both a parent and teacher and I have so many ideas of how we can work together to help our students learn and grow into the outstanding young adults they are destined to become!"
Robin Cash is moving into the position of Middle and High School Counselor. Robin joined the Brown School family in 2014 as both a parent and College Access Resource Teacher. In the past seven years, she worked with making college and other post-secondary opportunities accessible to all students while teaching, coaching, and sponsoring yearbook. Robin's degrees are all from Western Kentucky University (Go TOPS!) and she supports U of L sports when they are not playing WKU. The past three years, Robin also worked as a College Admissions Coach for the University of Southern California's Bovard Scholars' Program.
Kate Duff
Computer Science Teacher
"I am looking forward to being a part of the Brown family!"
Kate Duff joins Brown School from The Academy @ Shawnee where she taught Math and Career Technical Education (CTE) for nine years. She has a Bachelors degree from Indiana University Southeast and Masters degrees from Spalding University and Western Kentucky University. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her children; they are a Disney family!
Weekly Columns
Star Students
Throughout the school year, we recognize students who demonstrate our school-wide expectations.
Encourage your student to shine in meeting these expectations.
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
Always Pursue Excellence
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
Family Matters
The Kentucky Student Voice Team is recruiting Kentucky students for peer-to-peer interviews regarding their schools, ESSER funding and COVID impacts. Students will earn a $30 gift card for their contribution and their ideas, thoughts and insights will help shape education policy.
https://bit.ly/KyStudentVoiceTeamInterviewSignup
Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)
JOIN THE 2021-2022 PTSA!
Open to all Parents/Guardians, Faculty/Staff,Students (5th grade+), or Grandparents.
-Become a PTSA member and get a window decal-CLICK HERE
-Attend the next PTSA Meeting
Support PTSA fundraising efforts - 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
*It's almost time for back to school!*
Tip of the week: Start setting your alarm to help your body adjust to the school year schedule! Talk to your students or the supportive adults in your life about your morning routine so there are no surprises the first week and everyone is at school, on time, and ready to learn!
*Robin and Christy are working to develop a Guidance Schedule and Curriculum. Check back soon for updates regarding our Guidance Plan!
Elementary School Students
Miss Christy can't wait to see all of her students once again! I know that kids are also super-excited to see all of their friends at school. Hot off the presses, all students, teacher, staff, and parents/guardians are required to wear masks in public areas, when entering a JCPS building, in common areas unless actively eating or drinking, and/or in a JCPS vehicle occupied by more than one person. Also, make sure you read this newsletter and other communications from Dr. Angela and other Brown staff as we approach the opening day of school. CLICK HERE to visit our Counseling Corner. In the top, right corner, click on ELEMENTARY and K-5 to read more about upcoming happenings for elementary students.
Middle and High School Students
*Google Classroom is back! Robin will use "Class of 20##" to communicate with students in grades 6-12. If your student hasn't already joined, encourage them to do so! Codes will be shared with students in study hall or English classes the first week back. These google classrooms roll over each year and information that is relevant both school-wide and class specific (i.e. the form to request a class change for everyone or scholarships for seniors) will be posted there! You don’t want to miss out!
*Remind.com will be used for short, time-sensitive updates. Codes for Remind class groups will also be shared the first week of school.
*Schedule change requests can be made for academic purposes on THIS form. Schedule changes may not happen until after 8/9/21 and can happen as late as the 10th day of school although every effort will be made to adjust them ASAP. Please do not fill out the form more than once, you can include multiple class changes in the form.
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)
Christy Teague, Elementary School Counselor, christy.teague@jefferson.kyschools.us
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING (6-12)
Robin Cash, Middle and High School Counselor, robin.cash@jefferson.kyschools.us
SBDM Update
Coming soon
Athletics
Fall Sports:
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
Community
Information coming soon.