Bear Essentials
J. Graham Brown School Weekly Family Newsletter
November 8 | Issue #16
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Brown School Family,
Yesterday the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released School Report Cards for the 2022-2023 school year. Our school report card can be found HERE for your review.
This year, the school report card includes changes that have been made in compliance with Senate Bill 158 (2020). As a result, “status” and “change” are new ways to evaluate state indicators. Since this is the first year for the implementation of these new requirements, it is difficult to compare previous years overall data. However, just like last year, schools are measured on a combination of academic and school-quality indicators and measures. These include: Combined Reading/Math, Combined Science/Social Studies/Writing, English Language Learners (no data reported for this year), Quality of School Climate and Safety, Post Secondary Readiness, and Graduation Rate. Additionally, Kentucky’s accountability system provides a color-coded overall performance rating for each school, district and the state by level, ranging from red (lowest) to blue (highest). This year colors of overall school performance, as well as individual school report card indicator performance, can change based on growth or loss as a result of “change” despite the current year’s status being “Very High”, “High”, etc.
I am pleased to report that J. Graham Brown School’s overall performance continues to be identified as “Blue” or “Very High” for our middle and high schools. Our elementary school continues to be identified as a "Green" or "High" performing school.
Below you will find the status color for Combined Reading/Math, Combined Science/Social Studies/Writing, English Language Learners (no data reported for this year), Quality of School Climate and Safety, Post Secondary Readiness, and Graduation Rate.
Reading and Math Indicator
Science, Social Studies, & Combined Writing Indicator
Quality of School Climate and Safety Survey
Graduation Rate
Post-Secondary Readiness
As you can see, we are not “Blue” or "Green" in every category. Later this month, our Instructional Leadership Team will begin to review the impact of “Status,” which represents a school’s performance on a state indicator for the current year, and “Change,” which represents the school’s performance on the indicator for the current year compared with the previous year. In doing so, we will strive to ensure our efforts of instruction and programming helps every student achieve success.
Additionally, in our review of this data, we must also acknowledge that the declines in high school Science, Social Studies, and Writing Combined Scores are primarily due to a decrease in student group performance on Science and Social Studies assessments (11th Grade). Despite still being “Very High/Blue” for overall performance on the combined score, when the new “Change” is factored it caused a drop in color on the scale to “Medium/Yellow” as shown above.
Additionally, our middle school did not show improvements on the Quality of School Climate and Safety Survey versus last year, maintaining a "Medium/Yellow" status. As a result, we will begin to address these concerns immediately as well as include improvement strategies in our upcoming Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
I want to thank all of our families for your continued commitment to J. Graham Brown School and its staff. We value being a part of your child’s education, and we will continue to be dedicated to our students and their success as we progress through the school year. If you have any questions about the new accountability system, please feel free to contact me.
Love,
Dr. Angela
QUICK LINKS
THIS WEEK'S ESSENTIALS
BESS Screener
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 this Friday 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 TODAY.
JCPS Equal Opportunity Policies
Technology Spotlight - Randy's 4th Grade Class
Randy's 4th graders also went on an amazing Virtual Reality Field Trip in the Ursa Lab! They gained new knowledge 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 last week. 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.)
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. Please RSVP your tickets at the website address above or by purchasing the ticket here
SUbmit Your Reflections!
Click here to get access to the Reflections information and how to enter. Entries due next Wednesday by midnight.
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
Archery has started practicing, but if anyone is interested in still joining, reach out to Justin or email jennbeanfest@aol.com
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. Our girls will take on Sacred Heart tonight, 11/8 at Tin Pin. Please 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
Before you can participate in any sport, you need to complete the required JCPS MS paperwork. This includes a sports physical, a consent form, and an insurance form. If you have any questions about the status of your paperwork, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us. Required JCPS MS Paperwork
Track athletes, if you are interested in track and field, you have a great opportunity to learn from the coaches at Bellarmine University. They are hosting a free track and field clinic for youth in grades K to 8th on November 15th. You will get to practice different events, such as sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relays, with the guidance of Bellarmine coaches and athletes. To register for the clinic, please visit this link:
Basketball season is underway. On Thursday, the JV Boys, Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys will be playing at Carrithers Middle School.
Archery has started practicing, but it’s not too late to join. Archery is a fun and challenging sport that improves your concentration, coordination, and confidence. If you want to be part of the team, please contact Justin or email jennbeanfest@aol.com.
Bowling has started competing, and they are having a blast. Bowling is a great way to make friends, have fun, and improve your skills. Our girls team will take on Sacred Heart tonight, November 8th, at Tin Pin. Any students in grades 7th to 12th who are interested in bowling, please email jryoung2015@icloud.com.
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.
Swimming swimming team is practicing at the Downtown YMCA, and they are doing great. The middle school team participated in its first meet on Monday, November 1st, and we had some strong performances. Congratulations to all the swimmers for representing us with pride and enthusiasm.
Elementary School Athletics
Basketball and Cheer is practicing hard for their first games on 12/2.
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.
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.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Click HERE to request Student Support and a member of our team will reach out!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center Coordinator
Shirley's Way Gaming is giving away 200 Thanksgiving Baskets, November 19th, starting at 2:00 pm. 9817 3rd st. Right at corner of 3rd st and Stonestreet Rd. They are also looking for volunteers for that day as well.
The Louisville Free Public Library has a lot of free activities for all ages planned throughout the holiday season. Click here for more information.
Louisville has a lot of special events planned for the holidays. Click here for more information.
Mental Health Practitioner
With the holidays coming up, many feelings can come up for us and our loved ones. Often this time of year is a joyous one where we spend time with family and friends, but it can also be a somber time of remembrance for those that we have lost. Grief can exhibit in many ways, especially in children. If you or your family is struggling with the loss of a loved one and feel you need some help please feel free to reach out to us in the Student support center. You can fill out a Student Support Form for your student, or request a referral for mental health services with Care Solace.
High School Counselor
AP Test orders are being finalized on Friday, please return this paper signed by both student and a supportive adult!
No paper = no test!
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Cordia and Robin visited the 8th grade to encourage them to continue their education at Brown with THIS presentation. If you are currently enrolled in 8th grade at Brown, you keep your spot unless you accept placement at another school.
The BESS Screener will take place this Friday for all high school students during their Advisory class this Friday. Make sure to complete this form if you do not want your child to participate.
Middle School Counselor
Cordia and Robin visited the 8th grade to encourage them to continue their education at Brown with THIS presentation. If you are currently enrolled in 8th grade at Brown, you keep your spot unless you accept placement at another school.
Also, please continue to encourage your darlings to be their best selfs, particularly in their communications and interactions through social media and cell phones in general. There has been an uptick in unkind interactions through phones and other devices. Now is a great time to review cell phone expectations with your student. Thanks!
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
SBDM UPDATE
There is an SBDM meeting on Tuesday, November 14th at 4:00 PM in the Student Support Center Conference Room. HERE is the tentative agenda. The council will be reviewing the Budget Needs Assessment for the 2024-25 school year.
FAMILY MATTERS
Brainfuse Help NOW is an online tutoring service offering access to live tutors, 2–11 p.m., 7 days a week. Students can chat or text with tutors in real-time, get help with math problems, have papers reviewed, discuss practice test results, and more.
Applying for college? HelpNow even offers live FAFSA help and online practice tests. For more information, please visit the Louisville Free Public Library's page.