Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
February 7 | Issue 26
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Families,
It is school budget season! Our remarkable budget committee will be crafting a budget for the 2024-25 school year to address the needs (and some wants!) of our incredible teachers and students. Be sure to check the Budget Committee Minutes for updates. We have two specially scheduled meetings coming up for this month for the committee to craft the budget. Then, on Tuesday, February 27th, the SBDM Council will hold a special-called meeting to review and approve the budget. If you have any questions or suggested needs for our school, please let me know!
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
Comprehensive School Survey for Parents
Brown School Families,
Parents with an e-mail address on file with JCPS will receive an email directing them to the Data Management Survey Tool where they will complete their survey online. Our current data shows that 17% of our Parents have completed the survey.
If you did not receive an email regarding the Comprehensive School Survey, here is the link to take it: https://tinyurl.com/jcpsParentGuardian
It’s completely anonymous, and results are used to improve our schools—everything from school climate and curriculum to safety and more.
To better facilitate parent needs, we have translated the survey into multiple languages. It will ask you to select the language you would like the text displayed in before you take the survey.
Please complete this survey by February 29th! Email Drew Paige if you have any questions or need any assistance accessing the survey.
Homecoming Dance
We are having the Homecoming Dance Friday, February 9th from 8:00-10:00 pm. We really need volunteers and chaperones. We can't have the dance without them. Please try and volunteer for this one.
Thanks,
Randy
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B44A5A92BAAF58-45090540-spirit
Understanding the Universe Club
Please read and complete the following Google Form if your child is participating in the Understanding the Universe Club.
Bear Necessities - 4th Edition
The fourth 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.
Celebration Ads
Hey Brown School Parents,
LAST CALL!!! Tomorrow, February 8th, is the LAST DAY to buy a baby ad for your 5th, 8th, or 12th grader for the yearbook. Go to the Jostens website, submit a picture and a message, and you're done! One ad is $20. We can't wait to see the ads!
Celebration Ads are the perfect chance to commemorate your child's achievements, milestones, and new journey into the next grade level. Ads can be created on both desktop and mobile devices when you sign into Jostens.com.
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
Spring Enrichments
Spring Enrichments will be starting the week of March 11th. Here is what it open for each day.
Monday
Yoga (K-2nd)
Introduction to Recycled Art (3rd - 5th)
Tuesday
Ballet (K-2nd)
Martial Arts (3rd - 8th)
Intro to Architectural Design - (7th - 9th)
Wednesday
Chess (K-5th)
Drama (2nd- 5th)
Archery (5th - 8th)
Thursday
Martial Arts (K-2nd)
Fencing (3rd - 8th)
Hoodies are Coming!
We hope to have our new hoodies in on Friday just in time for the homecoming game. Fingers Crossed! They are black hoodies with the design above. We have ordered 105 hoodies - but can order more if needed. Look for them to be added to the store after Friday.
Welcome our newest PTSA members for 2023-2024 school year: Braden Hardwick, April Pry, Richard Bach, Allison Lutes, and Al'Sheree Spearman.
Thank you for joining Brown PTSA! We now have 207 members!
ATHLETICS
High School Athletics
Spring Sports- We are having Spring Sports meetings at 3:15 pm and 5:30 pm on Monday February 12th in the auditorium. In this meeting, we will discuss schedules, practice/game locations, transportation, tryouts, expectations, athletic fees and required paperwork. Athletes will then meet with their respective coaches. This meeting will cover middle school and high school tennis, track, baseball, softball, high school volleyball and middle school soccer. As a reminder, spring tennis, baseball, and softball are high school sports, but open to Brown School students 7th grade and above. Middle school track and soccer are open to all 6th-8th graders.
Homecoming Dance- The Homecoming Dance will be on February 9th after the Homecoming game vs Burgin from 8-10pm in the cafeteria. Tickets are $10 cash at the door. The dance is for Brown School students in grades 9-12.
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
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
Required Paperwork
ESports- Anyone ages 13 and up, that is interested in participating in ESports, should reach out to coach Andrew Boling at andrew.boling@jefferson.kyschools.us
Archery has been working hard in practice as they gear up for their next shoot. Shoot straight Bears!
Swimming/Diving- Our swimmers did a fantastic job at Regionals over the weekend, with several of our swimmers making regional finals. We are currently waiting to see if any of our relays or individuals make State, but it looks like we may get in at least 1 relay. This was also the first year that we had a relay make the regional finals. It was a great showing and we are so proud of our team. A big shout out to our only senior, Ava Musaraca.
On Tuesday night, Maisie Smith and Daphne Powell represented our diving team at Regionals. Both of them did a fantastic job and were impressive against 41 other divers. Daphne Powell finished 2nd in Region 5 (a PR for her) and is headed to the State Meet later this month, as an automatic qualifier. Way to go Daphne!! Maisie finished a very impressive 7th in Region 5 and is waiting to see if she made it in to State by her awesome scores.
Girls Basketball (HS) picked up a big win last week over KCD and a 43-22 win over Fairdale on Tuesday. The will take on Burgin at Homecoming on Friday, head to Cloverport Saturday, and face Atherton at home next Tuesday. Lets go Lady Bears!
Boys Basketball (HS)- has played an extremely tough schedule, but we know its preparing us for post season. Our Bears will take on Trimble County at home on Wednesday 2/6, face Burgin at Homecoming on Friday, head to Cloverport Saturday and then host Atherton next Tuesday night at Brown. Also a shout out to the JV Bears for only losing 1 game all year. They will play Trimble County on Wednesday 2/7 at 6:00 at Brown. The future is bright!!
Middle School Athletics
Spring Sports- We are having Spring Sports meetings at 3:15 pm and 5:30pm on Monday February 12th in the auditorium. In this meeting, we will discuss schedules, practice/game locations, transportation, tryouts, expectations, athletic fees, and required paperwork. Athletes will then meet with their respective coaches. This meeting will cover middle school and high school tennis, track, baseball, softball, boys volleyball and middle school soccer. As a reminder, spring tennis, baseball, and softball are high school sports, but open to Brown School students 7th grade and above. Middle school track and soccer are open to all 6th-8th graders.
Brown School Merchandise- Purchase Brown School merch and swag at the Brown School Merchandise Store.
Basketball- If you have not filled out a this survey about the end of season basketball party on February 22nd, please do it by tonight: Basketball Party at Executive Strike and Spare Bowling
Elementary School Athletics
Our Golden Girls and Team White picked up huge wins last week, both winning by 1 point. This weeks schedule:
Elem. Team White/Cheer vs Minors Lane @ Brown 9:50am
Elem. Golden Girls vs Breckenridge Franklin @ Stuart 9:50am
Elem. Team Blue vs Field @ Stuart 11:30am
MUSICAL NOTATIONS
Pep Band 2024
PEP BAND HOMECOMING FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9
GAMES @ 5:30 and @ 7:15pm.
Pep band is a fun activity to show school spirit
Pep band is not required
Pep band students are under direct supervision of the band director
Pep band students may stay after school in the band room for study hall before the games [check in time is by 3pm]
Pep band students may order food until 4pm to be delivered to the main office. Otherwise they may eat at the concession stand or have parents bring them food during the games
Pep band students may go home and return to play in the band for free entry into the game(s)
Pep band shirts will be given to each student compliments of the band
Weeknight games will always be dismissed by 8pm
BAND PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK THE CONCESSION STAND ON PEP BAND NIGHTS.
If you have questions about pep band please contact Amy at amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us
ATTENTION ALL (HS AND MS) BAND STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Event: KMEA Solo and Ensemble for BAND
Location: Atherton High School | 3000 Dundee Road | Louisville, KY 40205
Solo and Ensemble Schedule LINK
Students may stay after school on February 15 and 22 from 3-4pm to prepare for Solo and Ensemble.
Contact Amy at amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us if you have any questions.
Performing Opportunity (2nd-8th grades)
If your child is interested in being a part of a wonderful drumming organization, then check out this world drumming Friday opportunity. Contact amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us if you have any questions.
World Drumming Friday registration for 2nd-8th graders is now open at https://leopardmusic.org/programs/world-drumming-friday/
🎵💥🪘
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
KHEAA has several virtual opportunities for families and students to learn more about ACT preparation, FAFSA process, financial aide opportunities for college, etc. Click here to learn more.
Mental Health Practitioner
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!
Ms. Cordia and I will be sending home a permission form for a few 6th graders this week for a group we are co-teaching about anxiety. If you receive a permission form please return it by this Friday for them to be able to participate next week!
High School Counselor
This week and next week we will discuss mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Advisory Classes. Please remind your student of the new crisis hotline, 988, and their website, 988lifeline.org.
The Student Support Team will be hosting the Black Expo Career Fair and HBCU Showcase next Thursday, February 15th from 8:45-2:40 here at school.
Middle School Counselor
This week and next week we will discuss mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Advisory Classes. Please remind your student of the new crisis hotline, 988, and their website, 988lifeline.org.
Also, big thanks to those 8th grade parents who have volunteered to organize the 8th Grade Dance. If you are still interested in joining the team, just send me an email. Thanks!
The Student Support Team will be hosting the Black Expo Career Fair and HBCU Showcase next Thursday, February 15th from 8:45-2:40 here at school.
Elementary School Counselor
HOT TOPICS
We are in the midst of testing season for some of our students (ACCESS for ELLs for our ML/ESL students, now through Feb 16 and NAEP for our 4th graders on Feb 22). Click on Important Upcoming Events link below for more information:
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)
Our Star Word of the Month is PERSEVERANCE that goes along with our Star Word of the Year - KINDNESS. Check out our Parent Newsletters that connect school to home. "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." Miss Christy's Classroom Lessons' Schedule.
HIGH-FLYERS
We are also beginning the process of identifying students for JCPS's Advance Program, G/T Primary Talent Pool (PTP), and G/T VPA (Visual/Performing Arts) students. For more information about Gifted/Talented and/or Advance Program click on the link below:
Advance Program identification process
PTP identification process
Gifted/Talented, Advance Program, and Advanced Placement (presentation)
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTARY RESOURCES
Need to reach Miss Christy?
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.
Dr. Angela shared a Good News Report
The council recieved reports on the following.
Update on MS Assistant Principal
Information on School Budget for FY25
IMPACT Survey Results (Brown on p. 7)
Vital Signs Analysis
The council reviewed these budget reports.
Site-Based Budget Summary
Activity Accounts: District-Based; School-Based
The council received reports from these committees.
The council took action on the following policies.
Approved the Assignment of Students to College Level Courses and REAP
1st Reading of Protection of Instructional Time
1st Reading of Homework
1st Reading of Make-Up Work
The council addressed the following new business.
Dr. Angela consulted with the council on the new Middle School Science Curriculum OpenSciEd for 2024-25; Feedback Form
The council approved a request for High School Scheduling Handbook for 2024-25
The council approved a request for a two-year FRYSC grant
FAMILY MATTERS
The Black History Month Film Series returns to the Main Library every Sunday in February 2024. Presented in partnership with UofL Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion, with support from Louisville Public Media and Lean Into Louisville, the Black History Month Film Series features thought-provoking and award-winning films, followed by discussions with university professors and local experts.
To see the list of films, and to reserve your seat, visit www.lfpl.org/bhfilms