Bear Essentials

J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter

December 6 | Issue #19

Brown School Home Page - Click HERE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Brown School Family,

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. As we approach the final stretch before winter break, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of finishing strong and encourage your continued support in fostering a positive and productive learning environment at home.

Our students have worked tirelessly throughout the semester, and as we enter the last three weeks of school, their focus and determination become even more crucial. Your partnership is instrumental in ensuring their success. Here are some ways you can support and encourage your child during this critical period:

Establish a Consistent Routine: Encourage a structured daily routine that includes dedicated time for homework, study sessions, and adequate rest. Consistency is key in creating a conducive learning environment.

Communication is Key: Stay connected with your child's teachers and inquire about their progress. Regular communication will help you stay informed about any challenges they may be facing and allow you to address them promptly.

Set Realistic Goals: Work together with your child to set achievable short-term goals. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

Create a Distraction-Free Study Space: Help your child establish a quiet and organized study space at home. Minimize distractions such as electronic devices during study hours to enhance their concentration.

Encourage Breaks and Physical Activity: Balancing study time with breaks and physical activity is essential for maintaining focus and reducing stress. Encourage short breaks and outdoor activities to keep their minds fresh.

Provide Healthy Nutrition: A well-balanced diet contributes to better concentration and overall well-being. Ensure your child is eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.

Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue working hard.

Offer Emotional Support: Understand that the pressure may be high during this time. Be a source of encouragement and provide emotional support. Offer a listening ear and reassure them that you are there to help.

Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of the resources provided by our school, such as tutoring services, study guides, and online learning platforms. These tools can enhance your child's understanding of the material.

Plan Relaxation Time: While academic success is important, it's equally crucial for students to have downtime for relaxation and leisure activities. Help your child strike a balance between work and play.

Your involvement and encouragement make a significant difference in your child's educational journey. By working together, we can ensure that these last few weeks are a time of growth, achievement, and success for every student.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and let's finish this semester strong

Love,

Dr. Angela

QUICK LINKS

THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS

Bear Necessities - 2nd Edition

The second edition of the 23-24 student created Online Digital Newspaper, "The Bear Necessities," is published and ready for the public to view. Click this link to read articles written by Brown students. 

Spirit Week is Coming Up!

JR / SR College Prep Visits

To stay in the loop of all of the upcoming Junior and Senior College Rep Visits, please visit the calendar linked HERE to view the current month's upcoming events. 


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FAFSA INFO FOR CURRENT SENIORS.  **********************


The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens 12/31. We encourage students to complete it in December or January, but heads up....it's changed a lot this year, so don't fret if it doesn't work on 12/31. You will be okay to wait a few weeks and let any possible glitches get fixed. 



HERE is some 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!

WEEKLY FEATURES

PTSA

There is a place for Everyone in Our PTSA!    

Welcome our newest PTSA members for 2023-2024 school year: Diyana J., Lethia N., and  Amanda K.        Thank you for joining Brown PTSA! We now have 202 members!

 We hope that you will join us!

ATHLETICS

Justin Leonard, Athletic Director | Justin.Leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us

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

High School Sports Physical

Concussion Form

Safety Video Form


Archery has started practicing and are excited to play in some shoots really soon.


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 had another great meet at Central last night.  All of our swimmers are showing a lot of growth in dropped time.  Our top 5 finishers from last night are: Shelby Geraghty 2nd in the 50 Free and 2nd in 50 back.  Ellie Leonard finished 2nd in the 50 Breast and 5th in the 50 Fly.  Ava Musaraca was 5th in the 50 Breast.  Maisie Smith was 3rd in the 50 Breast, and 3rd in the 50 Fly.Michael Stenton finished 5th in the 100 Free..  Our girls team also finished 3rd in the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay.  A big shout out to Ben Rogers for swimming in every high school race that we have had, while only being a 7th grader.


Bowling has started out well! Our girls took on Manual and our boys took on Atherton at Ten Pin last Wednesday and played great.  They will take on JTown at Ten Pin tonight. Roll strikes Bears!

Girls Basketball (HS) started their season off with wins over LKY, Waggener and Portland Christian.  They will be at Francis Parker Thursday, Assumption Friday and Male next Wednesday.

Boys Basketball (HS) also started the season off well, showing a lot of growth from the previous season.  They will take on Francis Parker Thursday, and then have a break before hosting Male next Wednesday.

Cross Country is hosting a movie night on Friday 12/15 from 6PM-8PM. Come watch "Minions: The Rise of Gru" in our theater. There will be a meet and greet with Stuart and have a polaroid picture taken with him! Parents do not have to stay but they are welcome to! This is open to all Brown School students. Get your tickets here or pay cash or credit card when you arrive. 

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. 

Basketball- Congratulations to the JV Girls on their first win of the season. They defeated Johnson 20-18 Monday night. The boys and girls varsity are at home Thursday. Click here for more information. 

Swimming- JCPS Championships are coming up on 12/8 at UofL Natatorium. 

Cross Country is hosting a movie night on Friday 12/15 from 6PM-8PM. Come watch "Minions: The Rise of Gru" in our theater. There will be a meet and greet with Stuart and have a polaroid picture taken with him! This is open to all Brown School students. Get your tickets here. 

Cheerleading is currently looking for a middle school coach. Cheerleading is a vital part of our school spirit, and we need someone who can lead and inspire our cheerleaders. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, please email Matt Davis at matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us as soon as possible. 

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 and Golden Girls picked up big wins.

9:50- Our Bears Team White and Cheerleaders will be at Brown  against Field.

9:50- Bears Golden Girls will play Kennedy at Stuart Middle

11:30- Our Bears Blue Team will play Foster at Stuart Middle 

MUSICAL NOTATIONS

KMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival

Band students in 6-12 grades may select music with the teacher and prepare for the KMEA Solo and Ensemble festival to be held at Atherton High School on February 24, 2024.  They will play for judges and receive a rating for their performance. If they earn a distinguished rating, they will receive a KMEA state medal at the spring concert and awards night. This performance is on a SATURDAY. This event is not required however students are highly encouraged to participate. Hard deadline is November 20. Forms with parent signatures must be on file to sign up.


Please see this form to sign your child up for this event.  Reach out to Amy Noon, Band Director at amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us if you have any questions.

SAVE THE DATE FOR MUSIC CONCERTS!

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.  Help session will be Thursday December 7, 2023, in the band room.  The session is from 2:40-4pm. 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

Parks and Recreation will be hosting a FREE winter break camp for kids, ages 6-12. For more information, click here.  

JCPS will be offering a free chess club at Shawnee High School for students of all ages.  For more information, click here.

Just a reminder to our families:  the Brown School has an onsite food pantry.  If you are ever in need of food, please contact me, I am here to help!

Mental Health Practitioner

Things are speeding up as we are moving through December. 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 three 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.

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

Here's what happened at last night's SBDM Council meeting.

FAMILY MATTERS

JCPS students are invited to join a Chess Club at the Shawnee Satellite Office. The club is open to Elem, Middle, and High School age students.

Register online at https://forms.gle/exn7vhpjcoXRezVCA