Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
January 10 | Issue #22
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
I hope your Brown Bear or Cub had a wonderful, restful winter break!
On Monday, January 15th we will be off from school for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. I want to encourage all our Brown School Family to make this day, or a day on the weekend prior, a day for acts of service. You can find some ideas HERE.
I also want to encourage you and your student to learn more about Dr. King's legacy
Listen to Dr. King's Most Famous Speech, "I Have a Dream."
Read Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
Yearbook Announcements
The last day to order your yearbook is February 25th. The cost is $50. Visit the Jostens website (linked here) to purchase your yearbook; and if you’d like to lend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, donate a yearbook to another family so they get an opportunity to save their child’s memories!
Senior Parents - Seniors who would like to personalize their photo and quote in the yearbook - have until Feb. 1st to submit. The yearbook is submitting the Senior pages on Feb. 2nd at 9:35 am.
Seniors: The last day to order Yearbook accouncement ads is Feb. 8th.
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.
UPS will be visiting our classes to talk about School to Work options and how to go to college for free AND get paid for it.
FAFSA 2024-25 Update
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FAFSA INFO FOR CURRENT SENIORS.
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened January 1st. We encourage students to complete it this month but heads up....it's changed a lot this year. You will be okay to wait a few weeks and let any possible glitches get fixed. They are also only taking a certain amount of applications per week and the website may intermittently stop working. When it is working properly, the application should take less than 30 minutes to complete.
Students are asked to have their social security numbers with them to get started.
HERE is some info from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to help!
WEEKLY FEATURES
PTSA
Join us next Tuesday, January 16th at 9am in the Library Reference Room as we discuss cyber safety for our next Coffee with the Counselor. We will hear from guest speakers that include parents and school personnel. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Complete this form to RSVP.
Clothing Assistance Program Brown PTSA Volunteer Day
We are looking for 4 volunteers to help in person at the CAP (Clothing Assistance Program) on January 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
What is CAP? This is a program started by PTA parents in 1971 to help students with clothing needs in the district. Today CAP helps any student who needs uniforms, clothing, and even shoes. CAP also helps with events that effect our students like a house fire or flooding.
There is one JCPS employee that halps facilitate CAP and the rest is run by volunteers. Each PTA in the district is asked to come a volunteer two days a year. January 19th is the Brown School day.
If you would like to volunteer -
Legislative Session Begins
Kentucky Legislative Session is underway in Frankfort. This is a 60 days session and will go until April. As with every session - there will be important educational bills that will effect the education and well being of our students, families, and our schools.
KY Youth Advocates does a wonderful job of helping children's advocacy groups to know about upcoming bills and what is going on in Frankfort. They will do a webinar today at noon about the upcoming session and about Children's Advocacy Week. We are sure they will post it to be viewed at a later time - since this goes out at the same time the webinar is being done.
Children's Advocacy Week at the KY State Capital is January 22 - 26th. Children's Advocacy Day is January 24th and is an excellent opportunity to meet with your legislator, meet with other like minded advocates, and rally for issues important to our children.
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 Atherton. They will get the break off, and get back to work in the new year.
Swimming/Diving- will head to St. X for a meet on Saturday. They will also swim in the Central Invite next Tuesday night. A HUGE congratulations to Shelby Geraghty for being named the WLKY Student Athlete of the Week. She will have a segment on the news and won a $250 Kroger Gift Card for our school. Way to go Shelby!
Bowling did a great job last weekend in the PRP Invitational and are ready to keep that momentum going this Saturday at the Coaches Invitational at Kingpin.
Cross Country is still missing a few uniforms. If you have one, please return it ASAP.
Girls Basketball (HS) finished 2nd in the Western Holiday Hoops Classic. Congratulations to Jordyn Luttrell and Trista Morris for being named to the All Tournament Team. They will be in the Final 4 of the All A Tournament at Brown this Friday at 7:30pm against Collegiate. Tickets are $8 so come out and cheer them on. We cannot accept student passes for this event, as it is a tournament.
Boys Basketball (HS)- had a great showing in the All A Tournament, beating Whitefield 59-17, before losing a close game to eventual champion KCD. Congratulations to Justin Bibb for being named to the All Tournament team, after averaging 27 points and 9 rebounds over 2 games. He is also nominated 2for the Courier Journal Athlete of the week. Please vote for him here: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/kentucky/2024/01/08/khsaa-basketball-ky-high-school-player-week-vote-louisville-sports-2024/72087712007/
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 Live Stream 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- Brown takes on Kammerer this week. JV girls (4:30) and boys (5:30) play Wednesday at Brown and the Varsity plays at Kammerer Thursday. The girls will play at 5:00 and boys at 6:15. Just a reminder, there will be no transporation to this game. Wednesday's games are free for anyone who has signed up to support Brown Athletics on their Kroger Community Rewards account (one admission per account). Just bring proof (a screenshot, print out, etc.).
Cross Country is still missing a few uniforms. If you have one, please return it ASAP, even if you are planning on running track.
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
Track- HUMANA HBCU "Fastest Kid in the 'Ville" 60 Meter Dash is being hosted by Kentucky State University on January 20th at Norton Athletic Complex. This is a free event in conjunction with the HBCU Indoor Classic. This is not affiliated with JCPS, but a fun opportunity for our track athletes.
Baseball and Softball- Norton is hosting a throwing clinic on January 27 from 9am to noon. Information Flyer
Elementary School Athletics
Over the break, Elementary team White and our Golden Girls played in a tournament and did awesome. They will be back in action on Saturday. The schedule is:
Elem white team vs Okolona at Brown 9:00am
Elem Golden Girls vs Byck @ Stuart 9:00am
Elem. Blue team vs Breckenridge Franklin 9:50
MUSICAL NOTATIONS
JCPS All County 7-8 Grade Band Auditions
Auditions are on January 11, 2024, from 5pm-8pm at Westport Middle School.
Students will enter the lobby of Westport for registration.
There will be 2 tables, one for Woodwinds, the other, Brass/Percussion.
Students will be given a card for auditions with their instrument, audition number, and name on the back to give to door monitors.
Trumpet-203
Flute- 206
Clarinet-208
Trombone-209
Double Reed/Horn- 211
Baritone/Tuba- 213
Saxophones- 220
Percussion-Band Room Entrance 21 (NEED sticks/mallets for auditions)
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
Performance Time: Students who have signed up for this event will be given a schedule very soon, so they know when to arrive and what time they play.
Stay Tuned!
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed a much needed break. Hearing and vision screenings are scheduled for March 20 for all elementary students. A non consent form will be sent home this week. If you would rather your student not participate, please sign the form and send it back to school.
Mental Health Practitioner
Welcome back everyone! I hope you all had a great break! Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be in the building for most of this week, but I am working from home if you need to reach out to me. Please use my email if you have any questions or concerns. 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
Join us next Tuesday, January 16th at 9am in the Library Reference Room as we discuss cyber safety for our next Coffee with the Counselor. We will hear from guest speakers that include parents and school personnel. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Complete this form to RSVP.
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The ACT will be offered FREE to all Juniors on March 14th at Brown. Students are already registered and no action is required by parents at this time. Norah is working with students in Junior Seminar to make sure everyone is prepared!
Middle School Counselor
Join us next Tuesday, January 16th at 9am in the Library Reference Room as we discuss cyber safety for our next Coffee with the Counselor. We will hear from guest speakers that include parents and school personnel. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Complete this form to RSVP.
Elementary School Counselor
Happy 2024! I am so happy to be back and see my students! I miss them! Please reach out to me through the Student Support Request form if you have any questions/ concerns.
Gifted/Talented & Advance Program Information
Join us next Tuesday, January 16th at 9am in the Library Reference Room as we discuss cyber safety for our next Coffee with the Counselor. We will hear from guest speakers that include parents and school personnel. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Complete this form to RSVP.
CONNECTIONS
SBDM UPDATE
Here's what happened at last night's SBDM Council meeting.
Dr. Angela shared a Good News Report.
No one participated in Public Comment.
The council heard an update on the MS Assistant Principal proposal.
Natalie Hardy Lee was recommended to be our shared elementary ESL teacher.
The council reviewed these budget reports
Site-Based Budget Summary
Activity Accounts: District-Based; School-Based
The council heard reports from these committees:
Budget Committee
Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Professional Development Committee
Racial Equity Committee
Safety Committee
School Climate Committee
The council took action on these policies:
Approved School Schedule
1st Reading of Assignment of Students to College Level Courses
1st Reading of Wellness
Reviewed of Travel and Field Trip
The council approved the Bell Schedule for 2024-25.
FAMILY MATTERS
The Louisville Free Public Library is hosting a College & Career Fair for teens on Saturday, Jan. 20th from 12:00-4:00 pm at 301 York Street. Please register if interested.