Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
December 13 | Issue #20
Brown School Home Page - Click HERE
CLICK HERE for Short-Term NTI Plan (Snow Day)
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
Please mark your calendars for our winter concerts. On Thursday, December 21st our high school musical groups will be performing at 7:00 PM. Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00 PM will be the middle school musical groups' performances. Admission is $5 and is payable by cash or check.
Our Suzuki recital will take place tomorrow at 1:30 PM. Because this event takes place during the school day, all visitors to the event must bring a valid state- or federally-issued photo ID. Please plan to arrive early as there will most likely be a line of visitors coming through the Welcome Center to get checked in.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
MS and HS Sense of Belonging Survey
Middle and High School students will be taking a Sense of Belonging survey. The results will be examined by our School Climate Committee. Middle School students will be taking the short survey during Core 15. High School students will be taking the survey during their study skills block. The survey will be posted in their Class Of Google Classroom page. Here is the survey. Students must use their login to access the survey; however, it is an anonymous survey.
FAFSA 2024-2025 Walkthrough
If your family needs to know more about the FAFSA, the video below shares a step by step walkthrough of how to apply and any changes to the application process to keep in mind. HERE is some other info from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to help!
Star Students
Click HERE to see the Star Students' Slideshow! We have so many amazing achievements of our Brown Bears from this past week!
Spirit Week is Next Week!
Technology Spotlight - Nichele's Class and our STLP Teams!
Nichele's class has been learning about Snowflake Bentley, the first known person to take a picture of single snowflake, and about how every snowflake is unique. Fourth Grade Students went to the Ursa Lab to learn how to use Tinkercad to create 3D snowflakes and/or the Glowforge App to lasercut snowflakes! See some of their amazing designs in the images!
We would also like to give a huge shoutout to Mr. Gregory and Dr. Mary's STLP Teams that gave their pitch at the STLP Level 1 Competition last week. The following teams are moving on to the STLP State Championship in Lexington on March 27th!
High School
Utilizing technology to promote a healthy gun culture in Louisville, KY
by Don Bibb, Calise Williams, and Tylor Fletcher
Unveiling Louisville's History: Interactive 360 videos (VR access) and Story Map of Historical Markers
by Elias Najjar, Samuel Yauwanta, Donald Chen, and Austin White.
Using Robots to clean the Ohio River
by Xavier Garriga Little, Ella Zozoll, Nathan Morton
Middle School
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Digital Divide in Louisville, KY
Addison Cabanban, LRayya Ford, Petra Stanev, and Jalise Beam
Book Talk
by Grace Sithu, Ellie Hamilton, Mollie Bossmeyer, Kalihan Warren, and Alanna Washburn
WEEKLY FEATURES
ATHLETICS
High School Athletics
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
Brown School Merchandise
Purchase Brown School merch and swag: Brown School Merchandise Store
Student Season Passes on Sale Now
Student season passes are on sale now- good at events Brown hosts (may exclude some baseball and softball depending on venue): Student Season Passes
Student Attendance at Games
Just a reminder, students have to pay admission to attend games. Student season passes are $25 and a great way to save money. JCPS sets all ticket prices for high school basketball at $8 and middle school at $5. We do not control these prices, so we offer the $25 pass for students. If students do not pay admission and sneak into games, they will not be allowed to attend future games for the remainder of the school year. If there is an extenuating circumstance, they can ask to speak to one of the athletic directors that are at the games.
Live Stream all games played at Brown gym! Our Hudl camera is now up and running and anyone can watch from their computer, phone or smart tv. Attached are directions from Hudl. The prices for the live streams are $5/game, $25/month and $50 for the season (Brown Athletics receives 60% of the revenue). This will give you access to all games (Elementary, MS and HS) played at Brown.
Information for Live Streaming
Basketball is going back to Hoosier Gym (where the movie Hoosiers was filmed) on Friday 1/26/23! Students can check their school email for sign-up information. We will be taking two Miller coach buses and stop and eat along the way. As of now, there are only 31 seats remaining. Students (9-12 only) can sign up (first come, first served) here.
Required Paperwork
Archery had a great shoot last weekend at Eastern. They will be back in action this Saturday at Atherton.
Wrestling- We are considering starting a wrestling team at Brown. Any high school student that is interested in wrestling, should see Justin as soon as possible.
Swimming will host the Brown Bear Sprint Meet 2 at Shawnee this weekend. Swim fast Bears!
Bowling has been rolling the ball well. Both girls and boys teams played really well against Eastern last night at Ten Pin. They will take on Male next Tuesday at Executive Strike and Spare, before taking a break for the holidays.
Baseball and Softball- Norton is hosting a throwing clinic on January 27 from 9am to noon for ages 10 and up. Information Flyer
Middle School Athletics
Live Stream- All games played at Brown gym! Our Hudl camera is now up and running and anyone can watch from their computer, phone or smart tv. Attached are directions from Hudl. The prices for the live streams are $5/game, $25/month and $50 for the season (Brown Athletics receives 60% of the revenue). This will give you access to all games (Elementary, MS and HS) played at Brown.
Information for Live Streaming
Student Attendance at Games- Just a reminder, students have to pay admission to attend games. Student season passes are $25 and a great way to save money. JCPS sets all ticket prices for high school basketball at $8 and middle school at $5. We do not control these prices, so we offer the $25 pass for students. If students do not pay admission and sneak into games, they will not be allowed to attend future games for the remainder of the school year. If there is an extenuating circumstance, they can ask to speak to one of the athletic directors that are at the games.
Brown School Merchandise- Purchase Brown School merch and swag at the Brown School Merchandise Store.
Basketball- The girls junior varsity won their first game on Monday night vs Stuart in an exciting overtime game. Congratuations!
Cross Country is still missing a few uniforms. If you have one, please return it ASAP.
Soccer is currently looking for a middle school coach for this spring. If you are interested or know anyone who may be, please email Matt Davis ASAP at matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Baseball and Softball- Norton is hosting a throwing clinic on January 27 from 9am to noon. Information Flyer
Elementary School Athletics
Basketball and Cheer started games last week and all teams looked great. The White team picked up a big win over Field.
9:50- Our Bears Team White vs will be at Brown against Breckenridge Franklin.
9:50- Bears Golden Girls and cheerleaders will be at Stuart Middle vs Foster
11:30- Our Bears Blue Team will play Byck at Stuart Middle
MUSICAL NOTATIONS
SAVE THE DATE FOR MUSIC CONCERTS!
Concert Logistics Middle School Band
Middle school band students have a concert on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. All students may stay after school in the AUDITORIUM for homework study hall if they so choose (3pm-6pm). Students must sign in with Amy Noon, the Band Director. Food may be delivered to the front office but must be delivered before 4pm so an adult may receive the delivery. Dinner is not provided for students.
If students are not staying after school, they should arrive at 6pm in their concert black attire. The concert begins promptly at 7pm. If you have questions, please contact amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us.
What is Concert Black Attire?
All middle and high school BAND STUDENTS are to wear all black clothing for the winter concerts. Concert black is formal, classy, and elegant. Students are free to choose the components of their concert blacks from head to toe within the following guidelines:
Black dress pants, slacks, skirt, or dress (skirt length is at the knee or longer)
Black top blouse or button down
Black socks or black stockings/tights
Black closed toe shoes
What is NOT Concert Black Attire?
Jeans, sweats, warm-up pants, yoga pants, leggings, mini-skirts or shorts
Flip-flops, sports shoes, sneakers, black shoes with colored stripes or logos
White socks, colored socks, no-socks, bare legs, or bare feet
JCPS All County Band Help Session
Amy Noon, band director will be available to all 7/8 grade band members who would like to prepare music for JCPS All County auditions. Please email amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us if your child is interested in extra help. Prompt pick up at 4 pm is appreciated.
Auditions are on January 11, 2024 from 4pm-8pm at Westport Middle School.
After School Rehearsal
The High School Band and Orchestra will be having a dress rehearsal for the winter concert on December 18, 2023, in the auditorium. This rehearsal will be from 2:40-4pm. Please reach out to amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us for band and tamika.carr@jefferson.kyschools.us for orchestra if you have any questions.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Need something for your student to do during winter break? There are many winter break camps offered throughout the city. Click here for more information.
On Monday, the 7th grade students participated in a Leadership Conference. The kids had a great time! Be sure to ask your student "how they feel today."
Mental Health Practitioner
Things are speeding up as we are moving through December. Unfortunately, this will be the last week for our Social Skills lunch bunch groups. Moving into the next semester, it is my hope to start a couple of groups for anxiety in upper intermediate grades and middle school (4-5, 6-8). If this is something that you would be interested in for your child please feel free to reach out, as I will also be seeking teacher input for students who would be a good fit.
Do you need help finding mental health services for your student? JCPS has teamed up with Care Solace to provide referrals for JCPS students to find mental health service providers. This program allows us to make specific requests for services for students based on preference as well as need (provider fees may vary). Many mental health service providers are also able to meet during the school day, although they must have a contract with JCPS to do so (please ask your provider if this interests you). So if you are interested in any services please feel free to reach out and we will be happy to put in a referral for you!
High School Counselor
The semester ends on January 12, 2023 this year which is not typical. Please stay engaged and present not just for the weeks before break, but the one week in January. Seniors may need to let colleges they applied to know that mid-year reports will not be available until the end of January after Fall Semester grades post. HERE is a statement that you can forward to your college reps that will be looking for a mid-year report.
Schedule changes for the Spring Semester will open 1/8/24 and will close 1/29/24. A link will be posted in Google Classroom Class of 20## and Robin will be in study hall the first few weeks to meet with students for academic advising.
Middle School Counselor
The KINDNESS CHALLENGE is happening until 12/22/23! What can you do to be kind today?
This week, Cordia is visiting classes to discuss personal values and philosophy <3 Discuss your values with your middle school student this week at home!
Elementary School Counselor
It's a busy time of year for students and families. Please reach out to me through the Student Support Request form if you have any questions/ concerns.
CONNECTIONS
SBDM UPDATE
Our next SBDM Council meeting is January 9th at 4:00 PM in the Student Support Center.
FAMILY MATTERS
Check out upcoming orchestra performances at Louisville Free Public Library branches. LFPL and the Louisville Orchestra are pleased to announce the third season of Once Upon an Orchestra, touring to all LFPL locations through October 2023 through April 2024. Families are invited to join LO ensembles for these fun, interactive musical storytelling performances.