Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
November 1 | Issue #15
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
We have provided our students with a truly special and memorable couple of weeks, filled with a range of exciting activities that have allowed them to connect with their peers and create lasting memories. From the week and a half of dress-up "Spirit Days" to the exhilarating Field Day, our students have had opportunities that go far beyond traditional classroom learning. These events have not only been about fun, but they have also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness among our students.
One of the highlights was the middle and high school Halloween dances held on the rooftop, where our students had the chance to dress up in creative costumes and dance the night away, building friendships and sharing moments they will cherish. The Fall Festival was another fantastic occasion where students and their families came together to enjoy various activities and celebrate the season. It's heartwarming to see how our school staff and parents go the extra mile to create these opportunities for our students to connect, grow, and create cherished memories. I'm grateful for the dedication and creativity of our school staff and the inclusive environment they've established, making our school a truly special place where our students can thrive academically and socially. These experiences are not just events but building blocks for a strong, supportive school community that enriches our children's lives in profound ways.
Additionally, we were thrilled to witness the talent and hard work of our students at the Halloween orchestra and band concert, which nearly the entire school attended yesterday morning. It was a remarkable showcase of their musical abilities and dedication, and it further emphasizes how our school encourages and supports a well-rounded education. These diverse opportunities are a testament to the commitment our school has to nurturing reasoned minds and educated hearts, ensuring they have the chance to shine in various aspects of their lives while building lasting connections and making cherished memories.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
All JCPS middle and high school students will take the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) to help better provide supports for students. This will take place during Advisory on November 10th for high school students and on November 17th for middle school students. If you DO NOT want your student to participate you must complete the google form above by next Wednesday, November 8th.
Star Students
Click HERE to see the Star Students' Slideshow! We have so many amazing achievements of our Brown Bears from this past week!
Technology Spotlight - Nichele's 4th Grade Class
Nichele's 4th graders went on an incredible Virtual Reality Field Trip in the Ursa Lab! They learned about the Rock and Water Cycles and how Earth's processes shape our landforms. They traveled to a 360 degree view of Wildcat Den National Park in Iowa; where they saw rocks being broke down from a process known as frost wedging. They absolutely loved the experience!
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.
Seniors had their Cap and Gown Sizing today. Students can see Norah to turn-in their sizing information. All other Senior Swag can be ordered from Josten's as well (yearbooks, t-shirts, sweatpants, etc.)
Jostens will be in room 310A on Friday, November 3rd to give out Junior Ring ordering info. **Ring Ceremony is scheduled for March 22nd.**
Thursday, November 9th, HBCU Showcase Field Trip.
Tuesday, November 14th, NKU Field Trip. We will be taking a bus and they will provide lunch for Juniors/Seniors attending.
***Chaperones are needed for the Jr/Sr Field Trip to NKU. Please fill out this FORM and contact Norah if you are interested.***
WEEKLY FEATURES
PTSA
THANKSGIVING LUNCH
Join your child for Thanksgiving lunch on November 16th
We will be having:
Oven Fried Chicken w/roll
Chicken Tenders w/roll
French Cheese Bread
Entrée Salads w/Ranch
Mashed potatoes w/gravy
Greens Beans
Roasted Butternut Squash
Baked Apples
Pumpkin Dessert Bar
You can also use Bear Bucks to purchase lunch and extra desserts.
SUbmit Your Reflections!
Click here to get access to the Reflections information and how to enter. Entries due next Wednesday by midnight.
Welcome our newest PTSA members for 2023-2024 school year: Jason L., Amy N., Katerina S., and Brittany T.
Thank you for joining Brown PTSA! We now have 198 members!
We hope that you will join us!
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
Required Paperwork
Cross Country had a great State Meet last Saturday. Our girls came in 15th in the State! Way to go Bears Cross Country!
Archery is about to start practicing, but if anyone is interested in still joining, reach out to Justin
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 we have a big team this year and they are already practicing hard.
Bowling has started matches, playing really well against Walden and the girls had a great match against Mercy last nightPlease email coach Justin Young at jryoung2015@icloud.com if you are interested in joining!
Girls Basketball (HS) is excited about the season ahead!
Boys Basketball (HS) is excited about the season ahead!
Middle School Athletics
Middle School Athletic Paperwork
Please have all required paperwork completed before beginning a sport. If you have any questions about the status of your sports physical or paperwork, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us. Required JCPS MS Paperwork
Track athletes have an opportunity to prepare for the spring. Bellarmine University will be hosting a free track and field clinic for youth in grades K to 8th on November 15th. For more informaiton and to register, please visit the following link: Free Bellarmine T&F Youth Clinic set for Nov. 15 - Bellarmine University Athletics
Basketball season begins November 1st with our boys and girls varsity teams playing at Moorman Middle (Shelbyville) and junior varsity teams taking on Lassiter. Basketball players please pay attention to the Team App for schedule information.
Archery will have interest meetings on 10/30 after school in room 322.
Bowling- Any students in grades 7th-12th that is interested in bowling, should email jryoung2015@icloud.com
Cheerleading is currently looking of a coach for this season. We need to hire a coach as soon as possible so we can start the process. If you know of anyone interested, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Swimming practice is underway at the Downtown YMCA. Email wmkolb@gmail.com for info.
Elementary School Athletics
Basketball and Cheer had a great tryout on Saturday, with 32 basketball players and 13 cheerleaders. We will offer one my tryout tonight (11/1) from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
MUSICAL NOTATIONS
Pep Band
Students who are in the band this year will have an opportunity to play basketball games in the PEP BAND. The schedule will be out soon. Make plans for your child to participate in this school spirit activity! As an added bonus, the High School Jazz combo will perform at every scheduled pep band session. (approximately 5 double header games). If you have questions please contact Amy Noon, Band Director at amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us
Butter Braids Arriving!
The Butter Braids will be here on November 9 after school. If you sold these items, please see Amy Noon in the band room on Thursday November 9 after 2:40pm. Remember these items are perishable and must be kept frozen until delivery.
4th Grade Drumming Demonstration
Randy's 4th grade students have been learning about African drumming and singing this week with Dr. Angela Scharfenberger, who is an expert in the field. These students will be giving a short demonstration performance on Friday from 11:00-11:30 in the auditorium. Parents/Guardians may attend. Please contact Amy Noon if you have any questions. amy.noon@jefferson.kyschools.us
Shout Out!
Congratulations to the music department including the BAND AND ORCHESTRA for an outstanding Halloween Spooktakular concert on Tuesday.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Interested in Girl Scouts? Scan the QR code above for more information.
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!
In addition, if you are interested in my services for one-on-one meetings with your student please fill out a student support form and I will be sure to reach out to you within 3 school days!
High School Counselor
Students should have completed their Mandatory Discrimination and Harassment video in Google Classroom Class of 20##. If it was returned as a zero, they can "resubmit" and I will still give them credit!
We are finalizing AP orders. If you did not turn in your bright blue paper, please bring it to the pedway ASAP!
Seniors that took the ACT, will receive results hopefully by early December. Those results will not be visible on transcripts until late January. After 7th semester grades have posted, seniors will have the opportunity to update their test optional preferences.
Juniors that took the PSAT will receive scores usually by early December. We will add those to relevant applicaitons such as GSP after conferencing with the student in Norah's class.
Middle School Counselor
We are gearing up to an exciting and often times stressful time of year. Please check in with your student and reach out to me through the Student Support Request form if you have any concerns.
All JCPS middle and high school students will take the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) to help better provide supports for students. This will take place during Advisory on November 10th for high school students and on November 17th for middle school students. If you DO NOT want your student to participate you must complete the google form linked above by next Wednesday, November 8th.
Robin and I will visit 8th grade classrooms next Wednesday to talk all things high school! Please ask your student to complete the Student Support Request form if they have specific questions they want us to address in class.
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. Some topic topics this month are:
Nov 8: Report Cards go home with ES students
Nov 7: No school for students
Nov 13-17: NNAT3 Student Score Reports will come home with students who took this test
Nov 22-24: Thanksgiving Break
CONNECTIONS
FAMILY MATTERS
Get ready! The Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library are having a book sale!
Thursday, Nov. 2, 5-8pm - Members Only Preview - memberships available at the door
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 3-4, 10am-4pm
Sunday, Nov. 5, 1-3pm - Fill a Bag Sale
Main Library, 301 York St.
Learn more about the Friends at www.friendsofthelfpl.org