Beaar Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
November 29 | Issue #18
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
I trust this message finds you well-rested and surrounded by the warmth of family and friends after a joyous Thanksgiving break. I hope the moments shared were filled with laughter, gratitude, and the cherished company of your loved ones.
As we return to our daily routines, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the support and commitment you continuously show to our Brown School community. Your involvement contributes significantly to the positive atmosphere that makes our school such a vibrant and nurturing place for our students.
Now, as we embark on the remainder of the fall semester, I would like to emphasize the crucial role that consistent attendance plays in the success of our students. Over the next four weeks, we have exciting learning opportunities, enriching activities, and important assessments planned. Your child's presence in the classroom ensures they don't miss out on these valuable experiences that contribute to their overall growth and development.
Regular attendance is not just about meeting academic requirements; it also fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to learning. When students attend school regularly, they build stronger connections with their peers and teachers, creating a supportive learning environment that enhances their educational journey.
I kindly urge you to prioritize your child's attendance in the coming weeks, as every day counts towards their academic progress and overall well-being. If there are any challenges or concerns that may affect your child's attendance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to work collaboratively with you to ensure the best possible support for your child's success.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a positive and enriching learning experience for our students. Wishing you a wonderful transition back to the school routine and a successful four weeks ahead.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
Short Term Plan for Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) - Click on the Image Below:
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 12/1. 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 12/1. You will be okay to wait a few weeks and let any possible glitches get fixed.
Although there is no official due date, we encourage all students to complete it in December or January to give colleges time to assemble their financial aid documents so that the students have time to compare offers before making a decision.
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!
Club Pictures
School club photos will be taken next Tuesday, December 5th. Please click this LINK for the schedule.
WEEKLY FEATURES
PTSA
Please help us with our school community survey for us to apply for the 2023-2025 School of Excellence. 26 questions and your are done!
How much Money Did We Raise?
$7,205.23
This is before expenses - final breakdown coming!
Thank you to our Sponsors, Donors, and Families who donated & Volunteered to the Fall Festival!!
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 extinuating 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 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 a great meet at central last night. Our girls team finished 1st overall, 1st and 5th in the girls medley relay, and 1st in the freestyle relay. Maisie Smith finished 1st and Sara Rogers 5th in the 50 yard Freestyle, Shelby Geraghty was 1st in the 100 yard IM, Maisie Smith was 4th in the 50 yard Breast, Ellie Leonard was 2nd in the 100 yard freestyle, Shelby Geraghty 1st and Erin Rogers 5th in the 50 yard Fly. Great meet Bears!
Bowling has started matches. Our boys had a great match vs Fern Creek last night. Tonight, our girls will take on Manual and our boys will take on Atherton at Ten Pin. Roll strikes Bears!
Girls Basketball (HS) started their season off with a big win over the LKY Saints last night. They will be back in action at Southern on Thursday and at home against Waggener at 5:30 on Friday. Next week theyplay at Portland Christian, followed by a home game against Grace James on Tuesday.
Boys Basketball (HS) also started the season off with a big win over the LKY Saints. They will be at Southern on Thursday, Hancock County on Friday, at Portland Christian Monday and at home against DuBois on Tuesday.
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
Basketball is back in action on Thursday. Boys JV and Varsity and Girls Varsity play at Shawnee. Good luck!
Swimming- JCPS Championships are coming up on 12/8 at UofL Natatorium.
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.
Elementary School Athletics
Basketball and Cheer start games this week and are so excited to show off all of their hard work. The schedule is as follows.
9:00- Our Bears Team White and Cheerleaders will be at Brown at 9:00 against Audubon 2
9:00- Bears Golden Girls will play Hawthorne at Stuart Middle
10:40- Our Bears Blue Team will play Kennedy 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!
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!
High School Counselor
Robin is out due to a family emergency. If you need assistance, please contact Cordia Pickerill, our middle school counselor.
Middle School Counselor
I hope everyone had a nice break and was able to spend some quality time with friends and family! For the next four weeks I will be visiting classrooms either virtually or in person to discuss v
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
Our next SBDM Council meeting is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Tuesday, December 5th in the Student Support Center. HERE is the agenda.
The approval of our Comprehensive School Approval Plan is on the agenda. If you have any feedback, please reach out to one of our council representatives. Their contact info can be found HERE.
FAMILY MATTERS
Do you have a middle or high school student interested in coding?
JCPS has a partnership with AMPED, where students can learn how to code using IoT and Raspberry Pi at our Shawnee Satellite Office.
Register online for this free program at: https://forms.gle/tc4DRbzaF2u9BQZLA