Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
If you spent any time at our PTSA Move-A-Thon last school year, your ears would have been filled with laughter, squeals, and exclamations like "Best day of school ever!" The Move-A-Thon is a much needed fun-filled day that positively affects our students' and staffs' mental health as we roll into all the accountability testing that occurs in May. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to make memories and just play. It was a time for writing our names on the back of tee shirts and throwing pies in the faces of our staff. (I got three pies to the face last year!) We dance, we pop bubbles, we walk, we play ball, we draw with sidewalk chalk, we hula-hoop, and we play on the playground. It really is one of the best days of school ever.
Your student should have brought home a pledge sheet this week that included information about how to sign up for an individualized page on Memberhub. Please consider supporting this important fundraising opportunity so that we can continue to improve and maintain Peace Park. Every student will receive a free tee shirt.
Last year the PTSA Move-A-Thon brought in over $9000 toward improvements to Martha Ellison Peace Park and $2100 in tee shirt sponsorships. Our PTSA added the gaga pit as a result!
Our school is blessed by being supported by such a wonderful PTSA! Thank you to everyone who plans to contribute and volunteer!
Graduation and promotion ceremonies are on the school calendar, so please mark your calendars. Our last day of school is Thursday, June 1st.
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
This Week's Essentials
The SDL Showcase is Tomorrow!
Dear Brown Families:
We cordially invite you to our Self-Directed Learning Showcase. This will take place during the school day on Thursday, March 30th. All of our Brown Bears will be presenting a meaningful learning experience they had from this past school year. Please complete the RSVP Form HERE if you plan on attending. This will help the Welcome Center Staff know how many family members to expect so you can get signed in and arrive promptly to your child's presentation. We ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes before their presentation time. Below are the time slots of when each grade level is presenting.
Presentation Times:
Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd - 8:15-8:45 a.m.
High School - 9:00-9:45 a.m.
3rd, 4th, and 5th - 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Middle School - 1:15-2:00 p.m.
Here is the LINK to what student's and groups will be presenting at the SDL Showcase. K-5 information is on tab 1, 6-12 on tab 2 and a Slideshow Presentation of their artifacts is linked on tab 3. This will be our first SDL Showcase in three years so you will not want to miss it!
LOST AND FOUND - LAST CALL
Please have your child check the Lost and Found for any missing shirts, jackets, hats, lunchboxes, water bottles, etc. The Lost and Found is located in the stairwell on the 1st floor across the hall from the main office. Any item that is left will be washed and donated to the community over Spring Break.
JCPS Comprehensive School Survey
JCPS Families,
Families, please take a moment to complete this important survey and let your voices be heard. It’s completely anonymous, and results are used to improve our schools—everything from school climate and curriculum to safety and more.
Take the survey now at https://assessment.jefferson.kyschools.us/surveyTool/cssParentLandingPage.aspx.
Thank you to those that have already completed the CSS. Our data shows that 34% of our parents have completed the survey. We are currently in 2nd place for highest completion among JCPS High Schools. Any parent/guardian that can take the survey before the deadline tomorrow would be greatly appreciated. If you are having any issues accessing the survey please email Drew Paige (andrew.paige@jefferson.kyschools.us)
The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, March 30th.
Thank you for sharing your feedback and supporting JCPS.
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.
Valedictorian Addresses and Brown Scholarship Applications are due Thursday, March 29th
Student athletes that are considering registered to play in college, please see this info for April 19 webinar!
Summer Camps at Bellarmine U Pre-K-Gr 12! Descriptions HERE, registration link HERE!
Technology Spotlight
Nichele's 2nd Grade Class
Our second graders created animal buttons in the Ursa Innovation Lab for the PBL they will be presenting at the SDL Showcase!
Check out some of their products in the pictures!
Gregory's AP Computer Science Class
Our high school students in AP Computer Science were the first class to use our Virtual Reality Headsets. They explored climate changes to the Earth and what technology is being used to help the environment. You can preview what they learned in VR, HERE.
Look at them learning in new ways!
Costa Rica Summer Trip
Dear Brown School Families,
Did your student miss the sign up for the Costa Rica Trip? We have 1 student spot still left open for travel in the Summer of 2024! Your student is invited to join us on this amazing educational travel experience to Costa Rica. When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and I would love to have your student join me on this adventure. Students in grades 7-11 are invited to join.
If you would like to view a recording of our information meeting from last week click HERE. You can also find our enrollment page here: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2578773ZV
Enrollment ends 3/31/2023.
If you have any Questions, please contact Dr. Kat at kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us
Pura vida!
Dr. Kat
Weekly Columns
Roll, Run, & Walk Move-A-Thon
Move-A-Thon pledge sheets went out last Friday. If you didn't get one - click the link below to get a digital copy.
Do you have questions about the Move-A-Thon? Let us help get them answered!
First check our FAQ page to see if the question has been answered already. Click here for the FAQ page.
Didn't find your answer - email your questions here
Prizes??
Every student will receive a white Move-A-Thon Shirt. Last year students signed each other shirts as a living wearable yearbook! It was a great way to commemorate the day.
The student who raises the most money in each grade level also gets to put a pie in the face of an administrator. This happens while the entire class watches and cheers them on!
We have a goal of $20,000. We have currently reached 5% of that goal. All Move-A-Thon Fundraiser proceeds go to improvements for Peace Park and that benefits all our students. Please help us reach this goal and make this a great event!!
Here are a few pictures from last year!
Athletics
Elementary Athletics
Basketball and Cheer- We will announce our make up Pep Rally soon, as we look for dates after spring break. Cant wait to celebrate these awesome athletes!
Volleyball- We are going to start up volleyball for our 4th and 5th graders, after spring break. Depending on our response, we may open the opportunity up for younger players. Practices will be every Wednesday from April 12th through May 17th from 3:15-4:15. The practice will consist of 45 minutes of drills and instruction and 15 minutes of scrimmages.
Middle School Athletics
Advertising Banners for the gym can now be purchased. The banners are 3X5 and will be displayed in the gym for all of next school year. Please see the attachment for more information and if you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor/advertise with us, please pass it along. LINK
Track and Field has its second middle school meet on March 20th at Norton Healthcare and Sports Track. We had strong finishes by many of our athletes. Our girls placed 2nd in the 6th grade 4x100. Erin R. finished 3rd in the 8th grade 400 meter dash. In the 7th grade shot put, Lola F. placed 1st and Kamryn B. placed 3rd.
Soccer practice started has started at George Rogers Clark Park for both boys and girls teams. Our game schedule is out and linked here (soccer schedule). Our first games are on Tuesday 4/11 at Central High School. Tickets are now available. These tickets are good for both the boys and girls games.
Cheerleading is looking for a new middle school coach for next year. We would like to have one ready to go as soon as possible so we can order uniforms in August and begin practice. If you know of anyone interested who would be a great candidate, please email matthew.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
Tennis had their second match of the season against Jeffersontown. Nola G. won her singles match against the J-town #3. Oliver B. team up with Paul R. to defeat J-town's #1 doubles team in an exciting match that went to tie-breaker. Our next match is Tuesday at 4pm vs. Western, J-Town, Atherton, and Walden at Stansbury Park. Check out our schedule and come out and see a match!
High School Athletics
Advertising Banners for the gym can now be purchased. The banners are 3X5 and will be displayed in the gym for all of next school year. Please see the attachment for more information and if you know of any businesses that would like to sponsor/advertise with us, please pass it along. LINK
Softball is playing well and are excited to take on Seneca on Wednesday (3/29), after coming up short by 1 run to them last week. Lets go Lady Bears!
Boys Volleyball- We are excited to offer the first boys volleyball team in school history. If there are any students in grades 7th-12th that is interested, contact Kathleen Mattingly at kathleen.mattingly@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Baseball picked up a big win over Western last Thursday, starting the season 2-1. They came up a little short against Valley on Monday, but are looking to rebound at Shawnee on Thursday.
Track and Field- had a great meet at Fairdale last night. This team is going to have a great year!!
Tennis had their second match of the season against Jeffersontown. Michelle R. won her singles match against the J-town #1 in a tie-breaker. Paul R. team up with Oliver B. to defeat J-town's #1 doubles team in an exciting match that went to tie-breaker. Zoey T. and Brysen S. won their doubles match. Our next match is Tuesday at 4pm vs. Western, J-Town, Atherton, and Walden at Stansbury Park. Check out our schedule and come out and see a match!
Student athletes that are considering registered to play in college, please see this info for April 19 webinar!
Elementary Counselor
Visit Miss Christy's Counseling Corner to find out more about upcoming events, testing, Star Students, Advance Program & Gifted/Talented, Student Support Request Form, Parent Toolbox, Family Resources, Calming Strategies (which we all probably need right about now!), and so much more!
PSA from Brown School Counselors to our students.
Parent Resources to help parents talk with their children about recent violence in our community.
Opportunity for Girls ages 10-14: Enroll in the free Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp to gain knowledge in the area of Women Leadership, Fire Science, CPR/First Aid, and Physical and Mental Wellness.
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Summer Camps at Bellarmine U Pre-K-Gr 12! Descriptions HERE, registration link HERE!
Middle School Counselor
We've finally made it to spring break! Woo Hoo! See below for some important updates and opportunities. I hope you all can enjoy some much needed time with family and friends over the break.
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With the most recent tragedy in Nashville, our school counselor district department has shared with us two resources that may be helpful in having conversations with your children. Please reach out directly to us in the Student Support Team if you have any questions or concerns
Talking to Children About Violence
We are looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming Kentucky Summative Assessment that students in grades 3-8 and 10-11 will be taking May 11th-May22nd. If you are interested, PLEASE reach out to the Student Support Team! This is a great opportunity to be involved with our school.
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Please remember to check out the Gifted and Talented Newsletter for updates, information, and opportunities for our gifted and talented students.
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Opportunity for Girls ages 10-14: Enroll in the free Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp to gain knowledge in the area of Women Leadership, Fire Science, CPR/First Aid, and Physical and Mental Wellness.
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Summer Camps at Bellarmine U Pre-K-Gr 12! Descriptions HERE, registration link HERE!
High School Counselor
The 5th six weeks ends on Wednesday, April 14th, 2023. Please check your grades now!
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Student athletes that are considering registered to play in college, please see this info for April 19 webinar!
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9th grade females: Opportunity for Girls ages 10-14: Enroll in the free Lesley Prather Empowerment Camp to gain knowledge in the area of Women Leadership, Fire Science, CPR/First Aid, and Physical and Mental Wellness.
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Summer Camps at Bellarmine U Pre-K-Gr 12! Descriptions HERE, registration link HERE!
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Dual Credit Registration: Students at Brown can choose to participate in a dual credit program at a number of partnering institutions such as JCTC, UofL, and Bellarmine. Due to the large number of Brown School students that register at JCTC, JCTC schedules a day of academic advising at Brown. In order to have an advising appointment, the student must complete the following steps BEFORE 4/18/23. To enroll at another institution, it is up to the Brown School student to contact the institution and apply, be accepted, arrange for academic advising, and communicate the enrollment to Robin by requesting an appointment in the student support form (linked in the left heading) to adjust the student's schedule.
To schedule with JCTC advisors, complete the following:
1) Review the JCPS/JCTC Dual Credit Procedures and Offerings
2. Find which JCTC Classes by day/time you want to take and verify you are eligible by GPA or test scores.
2) Apply to JCTC for fall 2023 semester
3) Parent and student complete the user agreement in your KCTCS account after being accepted.
4) Request your transcript from parchment.com (see email invite from Parchment) and request a copy of your transcript be sent to your JCPS email address. Print your transcript to bring to your academic advising appointment.
5) Print and have student and parent sign a Brown School JCTC contract. Turn in to Norah in 310A and we will give them all to Dr. Angela at one time to sign.
6. Show Norah in 310A that you have completed the above steps for an appointment time BEFORE 4/18/23.
Mental Health Practitioner
Hey Bear family!
It's a few days before spring break, and we're all excited for a few days off. I hope that all of you enjoy your breaks, and are able to have a relaxing time with your families and loved ones! When we return it is the start of testing season here at JCPS, which usually feels like the busiest time of year for a school. As a result our wonderful counselors will have their hands full with dealing with various accommodations, tests, and other responsibilities that are a part of their respective jobs. So, if your child is in need of any emotional or mental health needs I will likely be the one handling those needs for the most part (of course they will pitch in as they are able to). So if your student is in need of any support please reach out to me using my school email david.rutledge2@jefferson.kyschools.us, or my school extension 2633. We all want to have a great rest of the year and power through to summer break!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center
99.7 DJX and B96.5 are sponsoring a Project Prom on March 29th, from 5-8 p.m. Students will be able to purchase a gently used prom dress for $10. All proceeds will benefit The Beautiful As You Are Foundation. The event will be at the Jefferson Venue, 715 Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana, 47130.
Need something for your child to do during spring break? Click here for an updated list of spring break camps that are being offered.
Does your student like free books? Dolly Parton's Imaginary Library is a free program for children, birth through 5 years that will send children one free book a month. To register your child for Dolly's program, click here.
STAR STUDENTS
Click HERE to watch the Star Students' Slideshow! We have so many amazing achievements of our Brown Bears from this past week!
Connections
SBDM Update
Yesterday there was a special-called SBDM meeting to consult with the council on behalf of the superintendent on the new curriculum selections for K-8 English Language Arts and Math for the 2022-23 school year. Expeditionary Learning is the proposed curriculum for ELA and Illustrative Math is the proposed curriculum for math.
Cultural Connections
April’s Major Religious Holidays
April 4 – Mahavir Jayanti: This holiday celebrates the birthday of Jainism founder Lord Mahavira.
April 5 to April 13 – Passover: This holiday spans 7-days and commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in Egypt.
April 9 – Easter: Easter is the most important holiday in Christianity. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — Lord and Savior of Christians.
April 14 – Vaisakhi: This ancient festival celebrates both the Solar New Year and springtime harvest.
April 16 – Feast of the Divine Mercy: This day, celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter, is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska. St. John Paul II declared that it would be celebrated when he canonized her in 2000.
April 21 to April 22* – Eid al-Fitr: The holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. To end the fast, a big meal is its primary event.
Family Matters
More Spring Break Ideas
Are you still looking for ways to enjoy Spring Break? Check out Bernheim Forest's activities for kids and give your child a whole week of adventure, or just take it one day at a time during their Spring Break Camp; April 3-7!
Each day of the week, there's a different day-long experience for explorers ages 6-12! Come watch birds, make art, take a hike, and more. https://bernheim.org/series/spring-break-camp-day/?fbclid=IwAR0Csab_TRHZELnZtDI3LgFQcIFaDs6mp2sRw3onm_FDDZqQ35Gc-IEiDPg