Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
March 27 | Issue #32
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
As you know, the Jefferson County Board of Education voted to install weapon detection systems in all JCPS middle and high schools. This safety-screening technology is an added layer of support for the safety and security of our students and staff.
The district is installing Evolv Express systems in schools on a staggered basis over the next several weeks. The installation process includes training for school staff.
To prepare ahead of the use of the system in our school, families are encouraged to help reduce the possibility of “false alerts” on everyday items, while none are prohibited, using these guidelines will ensure a quick entry for everyone:
Select clear and plastic school supplies over covered/concealed and metallic when applicable.
Use three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal).
Utilize plastic (versus metallic) BPA-free water/coffee bottles.
Use hard plastic eyeglass cases (versus metal).
Students should “pack-light” and limit the number of items in bags or other equipment.
Keep superfluous metallic items home (game consoles, beauty products, USB drives).
Laptops and umbrellas will be passed around the technology via a staffed table.
Note: Exact school supply lists are communicated individually by schools/teachers.
We anticipate our students, staff, and visitors will begin walking through the devices the week after spring break.
When the systems are installed, people entering the building will walk through an open-air kiosk that uses sensor technology to quickly scan for weapons. The system can identify dangerous items inside bags and pockets. For that reason, you can walk through the sensors without removing concealed belongings or being separated from personal items. Evolv scans as people walk through in real-time, ensuring that your entry to school is not delayed. If an item in your possession alarms the system, the system’s green lights turn to red, and a photo of the person will be shown on a tablet visible to trained staff. The photo will have a red box around the potentially dangerous item. A trained staff member will then search the area indicated in the alert.
While weapon detection systems are another tool for us to maintain safety in our schools, they do not guarantee a weapon will not make it into the building. We must all continue to work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our school community.
For more information on the Evolv Express system, visit our website.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school office. Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
Admissions Update
The admissions cycle for 2024-25 is nearing its end. Elementary admissions remained a random-draw lottery. However, we adjusted the criteria and process for middle and high applicants.
Previously, candidates were ranked by their academics, attendance, and recommendations. This year, middle and high applicants were invited to complete a writing task and a survey measuring their capacity for Self-Directed Learning (SDL) dispositions like Independence, Empathy, and Innovation. They also completed a short writing task related to Advocacy. This new tool helped us to identify students who could be most successful in our SDL environment.
This new process allowed us to give better consideration to more students who were academically strong but also demonstrated our SDL dispositions. Using this new process, we identified applicants who were ready to enter our SDL environment and saw an increase in the diversity of incoming students.
We are excited to welcome our new students this fall.
School Supplies for 24-25
Brown School Families,
It's time to buy your 1st Day School Supplies. I know it seems early, but before you know it, summer will be here. It's important you order your supplies before it's too late or supplies run out. Start the school year with the exact supplies your teacher requested, and give your child the confidence they need to conquer next year! Get them today before it's too late! All supplies are sent directly to our school!
Go to this link to order: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=1178883
JR / SR Prom Info!
Prom Details
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 - 10:00pm
Where: Mellwood Arts Center
Cost: $40
Tickets are on sale through April 12th. Please check your Junior or Senior's Google Classroom for the MySchoolBucks link to purchase tickets.
Please contact Norah Wakefield if you have any questions.
JR / SR Seminar Classes
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.
JCTC will do academic advising at Brown on 4/11. See the assignment in Google Classroom Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027 for more information and to request an appointment. Everyone has to complete advising to be a dual credit student!
REMINDER! Changes to Exterior Door Use at Dismissal
We will soon begin using the new weapons detection systems at our entrances. This will impact student, staff, and visitor use of exterior doors in the mornings and afternoons. In preparation for these changes, when students return from spring break, we will begin enforcing new expectations for dismissal at doors. Please take a look at these important changes below.
Once students exit any exterior door, they may only reenter the building through the Welcome Center and must pass through the weapons detection system.
All visitors must enter the building through the Welcome Center and the weapons detection system until the Welcome Center closes at 4:00 PM.
Students CANNOT open doors for students, parents, or visitors. It has been common for students in the lobby to open doors by the blue gates to allow others to enter after school. This will no longer be permitted as this is a safety/security issue.
All students must exit the building by 2:50 PM unless they are with a supervising staff member for a scheduled activity.
Tuesday, April 9th, from 8:15 am-10 am is the next Coffee with the Counselor in the Library Reference Room.
See below in the counselor section for more information.
WEEKLY FEATURES
PTSA
Louisville V/S Lexington Will YOu Help Us?
In their own version of March Madness, KY PTA is hosting a friendly competition between the 15th District (Louisville) and 16th District (Lexington) to see which district can sign up the most new members in March. Remember that, when you join Brown PTSA you are also joining the KY PTA so it all counts. So go find a friend or two (or 10?), within your district of course, and help them sign up for PTA this month! The competition runs from March 15th - April 15th. The winning district will be announced in April. Ready, set, go!
We at the Brown PTSA also want to incentivize you to join with a the friendly competition. Every new membership gets $5.00 in bear bucks that can be used to purchase merchandise and gets their name put into a drawing for a Taste of Kentucky Basket. If you are already a member - wonderful - we will also be drawing for a basket from our already awesome members. Did you know that anyone can join - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and students (6th grade and above)!
Seeking nominations for 2024-2026 board
We are looking for individuals to become officers of the Brown School PTSA
Please fill out this interest form to nominate someone else or yourself!!
spring move-a-thon
This year's Spring Move-a-thon will be May 17, with a rain date of May 22
Look for more information soon after spring break.
ATHLETICS
High School Athletics
New Brown Home Athletic Field
Brown now has an athletic field behind Van Hoose. Until we purchase a mower, we will need help maintaining the field. If anyone would like to volunteer to help mow please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us or justin.leonard@jefferson.kyschools.us. Also, if anyone can help us with seeding bald spots on the field, please let us know as well.
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
Required Paperwork
ESports- is playing well! They beat a solid Nicholas County team 3-1 last week. Looking for another win tonight (3/27) against St. Mary High School.
Track ran well at the St. X Meet last week and at the Fairdale Meet last night. They will be practicing until their next meet after spring break.
Tennis- picked up a big win over Bullitt East last night, with both our girls and boys teams winning their matches. Way to go Bears!
Softball (HS) has the largest number of players in a very long time and we have a lot of talent. They are excited to start their games tonight (3/27) at Valley.
Baseball kept the win streak alive last week. After beating Western 22-5, they were down 6 runs going into the last inning and scored 7 runs, pulling out an 11-10 victory over Moore. That is the first time in program history that we beat Moore. Last night (3/26), they went to Valley and picked up a 17-1 win, which is another first in program history. They will head to JTown Thursday (3/28), before they get a break next week.
Middle School Athletics
Soccer- Girls soccer plays their first match of the year Thursday, March 28th at TJ at 5:30. Varsity boys play tomorrow at Ramsey at 6:45. JV boys have a game tonight at Central Stadium at 5:30.
Track- Track had its first meet of the year on Monday at Waggener High School at 5pm. We are waiting on results to be posted.
Transportation- There will be a to soccer, track and tennis practice unless otherwise posted on the app. Games and matches will vary. Parents and athletes, please look at the app for information on whether or not there will be transportation to games, meets and matches.
Communication- Any change to schedules or transportation will be immediately posted in the app. If you are a player or parent who has joined the app yet, please ask your coach how to join.
Elementary School Athletics
Stay tuned for more potential offerings for our elementary students.
MUSICAL NOTATIONS
JGBS Band Domino's Fundraiser
The Brown Band is selling Domino's Slice the Price cards until March 29th! This is a great deal for college kids, families and really anyone who loves pizza! Buy one large pizza at menu price and get one free! No limits on how many! Cards are good through 12/31/2024. Simply click on our store below and select the band member you want to purchase from! Thank you!
KMEA Large Ensemble Assessment
The Brown MS Beginning Band will be performing for the KMEA Band Assessment Festival Wednesday March 27. Performance time at Atherton HS—10:00am
The Brown MS 7th and 8th grade Band will be performing for the KMEA Band Assessment Festival Thursday March 28. Performance time at Atherton HS-- 9:40am
Both of these happen during the school day and are field trips for both groups. Please click here to see the agenda for both trips. Permission slips are due! Please email amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us if you have any questions.
Trills and Thrills Rehearsal!
Middle School and High School Band members going on the spring trip:
You have an after-school rehearsal on April 26, 2024, from 2:40-4:30 in the auditorium. Please make plans to stay full time so we are prepared for Trills and Thrills.
NEW FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND!
Middle School bands (6-7-8 grades) will be presenting their spring concert on May 17, 2024 at 1:30 in the J. Graham Brown Auditorium. End-of-year awards will also be given just after the concert music concludes. This is a change in the spring calendar of events so please get this on your calendar!
If you are a parent or friend of a band member and would like to attend, please reserve your seating HERE.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
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 student services based on preference and need (provider fees may vary). Many mental health service providers can also 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!
I would also like to remind students that they are welcome to request time in our quiet space in the Student Support Center. All they need to do is ask their teacher, and they will be able to use the space for up to 15 minutes before needing to speak with a Support Team member.
High School Counselor
JCTC will do academic advising at Brown 4/11. See the assignment in Google Classroom Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027 for more information and to request an appointment. Everyone has to complete advising to be a dual credit student! Parents, please let your student own this process and demonstrate their independence. They need to be independent to take college classes.
Robin started advising students 3/25 and will continue until 4/10. Please have your student refer to Google Classroom Class of 20## for more info. Rising 9th grade will be advised shortly after spring break.
Tuesday, April 9th from 8:15am-10am we will be hosting our next Coffee with the Counselor in the Library Reference Room. We will be joined by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
Also, we are in GREAT need of parent volunteers to help with testing in May. We will administer both the AP and KSA end of year accountabioity test May 6th-May17 and we can not do it successfully without volunteers. If you are available any of those days to help please email Cordia as soon as possible!
Middle School Counselor
Tuesday, April 9th from 8:15am-10am we will be hosting our next Coffee with the Counselor in the Library Reference Room. We will be joined by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
Also, we are in GREAT need of parent volunteers to help with testing in May. We will administer both the AP and KSA end of year accountability test May 6th-May17 and we can not do it successfully without volunteers. If you are available any of those days to help please email Cordia as soon as possible!
Elementary School Counselor
Elementary's FINAL NOTES 🎶
Elementary's FINAL NOTES is the One-Stop-Shop for all things elementary at the Brown School.
Need to reach Miss Christy?
Please reach out to me through the Student Support Request form if you have any questions/ concerns.
Tuesday, April 9th from 8:15am-10am we will be hosting our next Coffee with the Counselor in the Library Reference Room. We will be joined by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.
Also, we are in GREAT need of parent volunteers to help with testing in May. We will administer both the AP and KSA end of year accountabioity test May 6th-May17 and we can not do it successfully without volunteers. If you are available any of those days to help please email Cordia as soon as possible!
CONNECTIONS
SBDM UPDATE
FAMILY MATTERS
The Backpack League's general registration opens on April 7th for incoming 1st-8th grade JCPS students. This is a great summer learning opportunity from June 20th-July 12th.
Did you know the Louisville Free Public Library is offering free, 2 actor performances of Shakespeare plays for ages 6 & up? Check it out!