Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
August 2 | Issue #4
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming school year. I am thrilled to share with you a significant milestone in our school's journey: the unveiling of our new mission statement. As we progress into the future, it is essential for us to define our values and aspirations as a community, and this new mission statement reflects the core principles we aim to instill in our students.
"The mission of the J. Graham Brown School community is to foster independence, cultivate empathy, ignite innovation, and empower advocacy within a culturally responsive learning environment."
This mission statement has been carefully crafted to encapsulate the key elements that we believe will prepare our students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Let us take a moment to explain the importance of each aspect:
Fostering Independence: We recognize that each student is unique, and it is crucial to nurture their independence. By encouraging self-reliance, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, we empower our students to become confident and capable individuals, ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
Cultivating Empathy: In today's interconnected world, empathy is a vital skill that fosters understanding, tolerance, and compassion. By cultivating empathy, we teach our students to embrace diversity, build meaningful relationships, and become caring global citizens.
Igniting Innovation: The future belongs to those who can think creatively and adapt to new circumstances. By promoting innovation, we encourage our students to explore, experiment, and embrace a growth mindset, preparing them to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Empowering Advocacy: We are especially proud to introduce "advocacy" as a core element of our mission statement. Advocacy goes beyond academic achievements; it empowers our students to stand up for what they believe in, to make a positive impact on their communities, and to be active participants in shaping a more just and equitable world. In today's complex and diverse society, it is essential to instill in our students the importance of advocating for themselves and others. By teaching them to express their thoughts, ideas, and needs confidently and respectfully, we empower them to be proactive change-makers who strive for a better society.
As partners in your child's education, I invite you to join us in reinforcing these values at home. By embracing our mission statement collectively, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages growth, understanding, and positive action.
I am truly excited about the direction our school is taking and the future it holds for our students. I believe that this mission statement will guide us in providing the best possible education for your children. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to an inspiring and transformative journey together.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
Back To School Info
If you have questions about Back-To-School at Brown, you can probably find the answer on our BTS page! Check it out!
We Are Hiring!
We are currently hiring two part-time teachers.
Drama/Choir Teacher - 11:10-2:40 every day
High School Math Teacher - 7:50-2:50 on "Gold Days"
We are also hiring a full-time Library Media Clerk; the work hours are 8:00-2:50.
APPLY HERE. The application window closes on August 8th.
CLICK HERE to learn more about our unique work environment.
Orientation Sessions
Our orientation sessions will cover topics such as:
Vision & Mission
Self-Directed Learning
School-Wide Expectations
Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures
Parent Involvement
School Fees & Lunch
Field Trips
School Policies
School Communication
How to Find Information
Addressing Concerns
Chromebooks
Q&A Time
In-Person Orientation
Friday, August 4th @ 10:30 AM
Brown School Auditorium
Virtual Orientation
Friday, August 4th @ 9:00 AM
via Google Meet
The recording of the virtual orientation will be posted on the Back to School page following the session.
Meet & Greet
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/cubbies (if available), drop off paperwork, pick up car rider tags, and get any last minute questions answered.
All first-time students to Brown should definitely attend to familiarize themselves with our facility prior to the first day of school.
Our Meet & Greet is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8th from 1:30-2:30 PM.
Be sure to log onto Infinite Campus to find your student's class schedule. Schedules will not be handed out this year at the Meet & Greet.
Student IDs
All Brown School students in grades 6 through 12 are required to wear a school-issued student ID each day. If your student is new to Brown School for the 2023-24 school year, please plan to have your student visit our school on Friday, August 4th between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to have their ID photo taken. The finished ID will be available for pick up during the Meet & Greet or on the first day of school.
Rising 6th graders who attended Brown last year do need to come by on August 4th to have their ID photo taken.
Students in other grades (7-12) who attended Brown for the 2022-23 school year already have IDs ready for pick up during the Meet & Greet. There is no need to stop by for a photo.
Car Rider Tags
The elementary homeroom teachers at the Meet & Greet will hand car rider tags out. Any middle and/or high school parent needing a car rider to tag their student will need to request one in the main office during the meet & greet.
Elementary parents will need to be prepared to pick the primary way their child will exit the building.
The three choices are:
CEP (after-school childcare)
Car Rider (exits into the alley)
Walk-up (exits doors onto Muhammad Ali)
WEEKLY FEATURES
PTSA
Join the Brown PTSA today - Together we can accomplish so much!
Boo Hoo Yahoo Breakfast
We invite our Kindergarten families to join us the first day of school for a Boo Hoo/ Yahoo Breakfast. Come meet with the PTSA for breakfast and share tears or cheers with fellow caregivers during this monumental step in your child's life.
We ask that you drop your child off and then come into the building after 8:25 am for the breakfast.
New Merchandise
The Meet & Greet is a great time to pick up Brown School merchandise. This can also be ordered online and we will send it home with your child once school starts. We have a new design for our baby bear and our Football Shirt. which is back by popular demand!
What do we carry?
T-shirts Polos Sweatshirts
Magnets Hats Pullovers
Don't forget to join the Brown PTSA online also!
Volunteer?
We could use a few volunteers to help with the upcoming week. We could use a few hands to help with:
Help at the merchandise table at the Meet & Greet
Come be a cheerleader the first day of school and welcome our students back into the building.
Welcome new Kindergarten parents at our Boo Hoo Yahoo Breakfast - Share your insight as another Brown School parent!
If interested - please email Autumn or text her at 502-718-2590.!
Welcome our newest PTSA members for 2023-204 school year: Lauren Y., Margot M., Lisa S., Kathleen H., Daron T., Derrian B., Liza G., Brianna C., Dylan S., Aaron S., Rafael H., and Shenikia T.!
Thank you for joining Brown PTSA!
ATHLETICS
High School Athletics
Brown School Spirt Wear and Merchandise
Support our cross-country program by purchasing merch and apparel from our fundraiser: Brown X-Country Fundraiser Store
Kroger Community Rewards for Brown Athletics
Please consider adding J. Graham Brown Athletics to your Kroger Community Rewards on your Kroger account. It does not affect your fuel rewards or cost you anything. Here is how to enroll or switch your Community Rewards account to J. Graham Brown Athletic Department:
1. Go to Kroger.com and sign in.
2. Go to your account on the right side of the page.
3. Scroll down to "Community Rewards"
4. Search for "J Graham Brown School Athletic Department" (If you need to switch organizations, click the change organization option)
5. Enroll
*Feel free to add grandparents and anyone who wants to enroll!
Here is a video of how to do this: Adding Brown Athletics to Kroger Community Rewards
If you have any questions, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us or justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Gym Ad Banners
Advertising Banners for the gym can now be purchased. The banners are 3X5 and will be displayed in the gym for all of the next school year. Please see the attachment LINK for more information, and if you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor/advertise with us, please pass it along. We can have designers create the banner for you, or we can use your current design.
For prices and more information, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Required Paperwork
Cross Country
Coach- Matt Davis
Email: matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
The practice began 7/17 at 6:00 pm- George Rogers Clark Park Lodge
Volleyball- Games will start on 8/15, as our team heads to Southern, then to Valley on 8/16.
Golf- Ethan Perry and Cade Wilson will be in action, heading to a tournament in Frankfort on August 8th. Go, Ethan and Cade!
Cheer/Dance
Coach- Sloane Coleman
Email: sloane.coleman@gmail.com
Practice: TBD
Girls Soccer Starts games on Monday, playing at Bullitt Central at 6:00 and then Tuesday at KCD at 6:00. Go Lady Bears!!
Boys Soccer
Has a scrimmage tonight (8/2) at DeSales and then Saturday at Francis Parker at 11:00 am. Go Bears!!
Middle School Athletics
Athletics for middle school is underway! If you are interested in playing a sport this fall, please fill out an interest form below and email the coach to let them know you are interested. We are still finalizing game and match schedules, and they should be released in the next couple of weeks. Please email me (matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us) if you have any questions.
Brown School Spirt Wear and Merchandise
Support our cross-country program by purchasing merch and apparel from our fundraiser: Brown X-Country Fundraiser Store
Kroger Community Rewards for Brown Athletics
Please consider adding J. Graham Brown Athletics to your Kroger Community Rewards on your Kroger account. It does not affect your fuel rewards or cost you anything. Here is how to enroll or switch your Community Rewards account to J. Graham Brown Athletic Department:
1. Go to Kroger.com and sign in.
2. Go to your account on the right side of the page.
3. Scroll down to "Community Rewards"
4. Search for "J Graham Brown School Athletic Department" (If you need to switch organizations, click the change organization option)
5. Enroll
*Feel free to add grandparents and anyone who wants to enroll!
Here is a video of how to do this: Adding Brown Athletics to Kroger Community Rewards
If you have any questions, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us or justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us
Gym Ad Banners
Advertising Banners for the gym can now be purchased. The banners are 3X5 and will be displayed in the gym for all of the next school year. Please see the attachment LINK for more information, and if you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor/advertise with us, please pass it along. We can have designers create the banner for you, or we can use your current design.
For prices and more information, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Required Paperwork
JCPS Required Athletics Paperwork
Please have the paperwork completed and bring it to the first tryout/practice.
Cross-Country
Coach- Matt Davis
Email: matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
The practices began 7/17 at 6:00 pm- George Rogers Clark Park Lodge
Tennis
Coach- Matt Davis
Email: matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Practice begins August 9th at 5 pm- George Rogers Clark Park Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Coach- Amanda Bauman
Email: amanda.bauman2@jefferson.kyschools.us
Tryouts began on 7/17 at 10 am- at Brown Gym- Final tryout was Friday, 7/21 at 10 am.
Golf (7th & 8th)
Coach- Barry Bridges
Email: barrybridges58@gmail.com
The practices began Monday, 7/18, at Crescent Hill Golf Course.
Cheer/Dance
Coach- JaLisa Meaux
Email: jalisa.meaux@jefferson.kyschools.us
Practice TBA
Elementary School Athletics
Soccer and cross-country teams are set and looking forward to starting competition. The first soccer games are on 8/12 at KCD.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Tara Davis
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
I am looking forward to seeing all of our students next week! The FRYSC is sponsoring a back-to-school event on Saturday, August 5, from 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. There will be free school supplies, food, and music!
Is your student in need of school clothes? CAP (Clothing Assistance Program) is a partnership between the 15th District PTA and JCPS's Department of Diversity, Equity, and Poverty. If you need clothing for this school year, don't hesitate to contact me, and I can make you an appointment. Any JCPS family is eligible for CAP services.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is now offering the program to all kids under five. Click here for more information.
I hope everyone has had a great summer! See you next week!
David Rutledge
Mental Health Practitioner
My first day back is Monday, August 7th!
High School Counselor
Please be aware of a harmful trend that is going around amongst middle and high school students. Read this article about the Back to School Necklace for more information and ways to support your student.
Middle School Counselor
Just a few more days to the start of a new school year! Here are a few updates:
If your child wants to change their elective, they must complete the Elective Change Request Form.
ALL 8th graders have been placed in 8th grade math. Those that meet the requirements will be placed in Algebra I second semester. By nature of this class being self paced, many students will meet the requirements well before second semester and Dr. Liz will provide them access to the Algebra I curriculum and they will receive HS credit. All of this will be explained further when classes begin.
The Student Support Team will host Coffee with the Counselor on Thursday, August 31st at 9am in person at school. We will discuss tools and tips for surviving the middle school years.
Please be aware of a harmful trend that is going around amongst middle and high school students. Read this article about the Back to School Necklace for more information and ways to support your student.
The new crisis hotline, 988, is a valuable resource and isn't just for emergency situations. Check out this flyer for more information and be sure to share with your family.
Elementary School Counselor
Please be aware of a harmful trend that is going around amongst middle and high school students. Read this article about the Back to School Necklace for more information and ways to support your student.
CONNECTIONS
SBDM UPDATE
We have an SBDM meeting today! HERE is the agenda.
Here's what happened at last Wednesday's SBDM Council meeting.
The following council members were elected to serve in these roles:
Dr. Angela Parsons - chair
Amy Thornton - vice chair
Dr. Kat Mattingly - secretary
Dr. Angela gave a Good News Report
In the SBDM Parent Election, Charlie Pait and Shawndre Hamilton were elected to the two-year term of 2023-25
The council set dates for Regularly Scheduled Meetings
The council reviewed draft revisions to the SDL Framework
The council reviewed these budget reports:
Site-Based Budget Summary
Activity Accounts: District-Based; School-Based
The council accepted reports from these committees:
Charlie Pait resigned from his SBDM Council seat
The council took action on these policies:
Abolished the Before and After School Supervision Policy
Reviewed of the Conflict Resolution Protocol Policy
Reviewed of the Equity and Diversity Policy
The council approved a Sections 4 & 5 Staffing Change Request
FAMILY MATTERS
Looking for back to school books? Check out these recommendations from the Louisville Free Public Library!
If you have a child 0-5 years old, be sure to sign them up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to receive free books.