Principal's Message
Dear Brown School Family,
As we move toward the end of the school year, I want to make sure you have the information you need about our school start time for the 2023-24 school year. In March, the Jefferson County Board of Education approved the district’s Start Smart plan, which adds new start and dismissal times throughout Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS).
Our school was not affected by the plan. Brown will start at 8:00 AM and dismiss at 2:40 PM, just like we do currently. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM each day. If our start and dismissal times do not work for your family and you are interested in applying for a student transfer, please visit the JCPS website. If you do not have access to a computer or want to talk to someone, please call 485-6250.
For more information about the start time changes, please visit the JCPS Start Smart website.
Love,
Dr. Angela
Quick Links
This Week's Essentials
Kentucky Summative Assessment - May 11th-18th
Click on this link to see the dates and times that your student will be testing for spring assessments. Please be aware of the following:
You student must be present all day and on time every day they are testing. Please do not schedule doctor appointments during the window of May 11-18th.
No cell phones or smart watches are allowed while testing, unless for those who have a medical condition.
Make sure your student comes to school with their charged Chromebook and charger.
Check and make sure that the TestNav app is on your child's computer. They'll have to log off to access the app. Email andrew.paige@jefferson.kyschools.us if you can not access TestNav.
Student Dress Policy
Brown Families,
If your student is enrolled in Brown School for next school year, please take this survey on our Student Dress Policy. We appreciate any feedback that you have!
5th Grade Breakfast and Promotion Ceremony
Attention all 5th grade families:
Our annual 5th grade promotion breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, June 1st from 8-9am, with the promotion ceremony beginning at 9:15am. Please complete the following form LINK to RSVP!
Pee Wee Prom is Coming Soon!
All Kindergarten through 5th grade families are invited to attend our Pee Wee Prom on Monday, May 15th. Tickets can be purchased at the doors of the event. A $10 admission ticket includes one student and 1 adult. Additional adult tickets are $5. We can't wait to see you all dressed up for the dance!
***Just added***
We will have Kona Ice and the AI Prince Food Truck (Chicken Tenders and more) available for snack/dinner options!
The Bear Necessities 7th Edition
The seventh edition of the Online Digital Newspaper, the Bear Necessities is published and ready for the public to view. Click this link to read articles written by Brown students. Click on the Art tab/button to potentially see your child's artwork featured in the newspaper. Don't forget to follow them on Instagram to stay in the know: @bearnecessities72
The Bear Necessities of Brown have come back to you!
School Supplies for 23-24
J. Graham Brown parents...Did you know the average parent has to visit two and a half stores to get everything on their child's back to school supply list? Not when you order from 1st Day School Supplies! In just a few clicks you'll have everything you need and only the brand names you trust and respect like Ticonderoga, Crayola, Elmer's and Clorox.
Better yet, you'll save up to 30% when you order from 1st Day school Supplies compared to shopping at big box retailers like Target, Walmart and even on Amazon.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy early and save this year with 1st Day school Supplies.
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.
Permission Slips Due Tomorrow for Kings Island and Field Day
Cardinal Chats Tomorrow
Lock-In Tomorrow Night
Weekly Columns
PTSA
Pants Drop Tomorrow!
Don't forget to drop off your pants in the lobby or Autumn will be in the drop off alley line to collect them.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
Next Week (May 8-12) is Teacher and Staff Appreciation. We will be celebrating all those who touch your childs life at the school. This includes Teachers, Special Area Teachers and Behind the Scenes Heroes. The Behind the scenes are the office staff, cafeteria staff, counselors, and custodians. Please help us celebrate them by participating in our daily events. Click here for flyer!
A Piano for the Music Department
Earlier this year we asked for help in raising money for a piano for the music department. We held a Black History Month Benefit Concert to raise funds for a new piano. Ms. Amy Noon was able to find a piano within the district that needed a new home. This piano now is now sitting on Brown's stage waiting to be tuned and a few minor repairs. The Brown PTSA is very happy to use the money raised for a new piano to get the piano ready to be used later this month and for the foreseable future at Brown.
Athletics
Elementary Athletics
Volleyball- Started 2 weeks ago and we had 24 very eager volleyball players, with 2 amazing coaches. Looking forward to a great rest of the year.
Soccer and Cross Country- We will start getting out information and sign ups for elementary cross country and soccer soon. Those will start over the summer. Stay tuned!
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 fourth middle school meet on May 1st at Norton Healthcare and Sports Track. Chloe C was 2nd in 7th grade 100 hurdles, Lucy Obrien was 3rd in 8th grade 100 hurdles and 1st in 400. Erin R was first in the 8th grade 400. Lola Ford was 1st in discus and 2nd in shot. Great job everyone!
Soccer teams played Ramsey Middle on Tuesday. Girls won 10-0. Goals were scored by Sophie G and Makenna P scored three goals each. Adyson L had two goals. Gracie K and Edith B each ahd one goal. Eva E, Adyson L and Sophie G each contributed an assist. The boys fought hard against a really talented Ramsey team and lost 3-0. Our next games are Thursday night and it is 8th Grade Night. Check out the schedule here.
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 played the first every Brown Bear Tournament this week. Southern, Western and Francis Parker joined us. Brown victories in the first rund include Justus E, Chris R, Austin V, Michelle R, Nevie W, Ava B, Lia M, and Oliver B. The final round concludes today. 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
Lock In- We are bringing back the Lock in this year and the kids are excited. It will start at 9:00pm on Thursday May 4th and pick up is 7:00am on Friday May 5th. The cost is $25 and students can bring their own snack/drinks (I believe light concessions available to purchase), bring video games or music). Permission slips can be picked up from Justin, Josh or Matt Davis and students will bring those and $25 when they arrive on May 4th.
Softball had a big 22-9 win over Seneca on Monday night and another big 20-2 win over Valley last night. This has been a great year for our team. They finish out the season next Wednesday at Western. Go Lady Bears
Boys Volleyball- had a battle against PRP last week, splitting the first 2 sets and then dropping the last set 16-14. They will take on Seneca at home on Wednesday 5/3 at 5:30/6:30.
Baseball will celebrate senior night tonight, May 3rd, at JTown High School at 5:00. We would like to thank Jackson Parry for a great high school baseball career and for all of his hard work.
Track and Field- Had a great meet at Male this past Saturday, with almost everyone having a PR. A big congratulations to Peyton Goodman for finishing 3rd over all in Discus, in a very tough field. They will be back in action on Thursday at the Fairdale meet. Go Bears!!
Tennis played the first every Brown Bear Tournament this week. Southern, Western and Francis Parker joined us. Brown victories in the first rund include Justus E, Chris R, Austin V, Michelle R, Nevie W, Ava B, Lia M, and Oliver B. The final round concludes today. Check out our schedule and come out and see a match!
Musical Notations
Elementary Music
May 23, 2023 3rd Grade Musical "Stone Soup" @12:15 in the J. Graham Brown School Auditorium
3rd Grade parents/guardians and family members join us for a wonderful musical performance by Andrew's and Samantha's classes. They have worked hard and have beautiful voices.
Suzuki
May 11, 2023 Elementary Suzuki Final Recital @ 6pm in the J. Graham Brown School Auditorium
Please join us for our final recital of the year for Elementary Suzuki!
Middle and High School Band / Choir
May 23, 2023 Spring Band and Choir @6:30pm
Concert and awards night for all High School and Middle School Students. Please join us for our final concert for the year at J. Graham Brown School auditorium.
June 2, 2023 Graduation Performance
The High School choir will be singing at graduation on June 2, 2023. Please stay tuned for more information!
Middle and High School Orchestra
May 12-13, 2023 MS and HS Orchestra Music Festival Field Trip
Where: Wilmington High School, 200 Richardson PL, Wilmington, OH 45177. If you have any questions about this trip, please contact tamika.carr@jefferson.kyschools.us
May 18, 2023 Final Concert and Awards Night @ 6:30pm
Middle school and High School Orchestra Concert and awards night. Please join us for our final concert and awards for the year at J. Graham Brown School auditorium.
Elementary Counselor
Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) testing begins for students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 tomorrow, May 11. Click HERE to learn more about KSA Testing for students in grades 3-5. Next, visit Miss Christy's Counseling Corner to find out more about Upcoming Events, KSA 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!
Middle School Counselor
I'm reposting items from last week, with the adition of the RSVP for 8th grade breakfast and promotion ceremony. For now, 7th grade parents and volunteers, just send me an email if you are willing/able to help out with either sending food or serving at the breakfast. I will hopefully have a free moment after testing rolls out next week and will be able to send a sign up genius. Thank you all for everything.
KSA Testing Schedule - Look here for the dates that your student will be testing next week.
-Ensure your student brings their Chromebook and charger everyday of testing.
-Double check that the TestNav app is on their computer. Students must sign out in order to see the app. If it isn't on their computer, email andrew.paige@jefferson.kyschools.us
- Cell phones and Apple watches are not allowed during testing, unless for students with a medical condition.
8th Grade Promotion Breakfast - Thursday, June 1st at 9:30
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Thursday, June 1st at 11:00
Use this RSVP to reserve seats for promotion and/or breakfast.
-We need 7th grade parent volunteers to help provide breakfast to our 8th graders. Please email me at cordia.pickerill@jefferson.kyschools.us if you can help!
High School Counselor
AP testing is in full swing with KSA testing starting soon.
If you child is unsure if they signed up to take an AP exam, the fastest way to find out is for them to log into their College Board Account. Enrollment in an AP class does not guarantee an exam order was placed. Exams had to be ordered in Oct 2022 and late exams are only ordered for emergency situations such as illness.
Scheduling is ongoing and rising 9th-12th graders were directed on how to request classes in Google Classroom Class of 20##. Robin met with students in the library last week to answer questions. If a student has questions, please request a scheduling meeting by completing the Student Support Request Form. Emails to Robin get really backed up during testing and there are other members of the support team that can advise a student. Requesting time on the form is the fastest way to receive assistance. An appointment will be emailed to the student in their school email.
Mental Health Practitioner
Hey Brown Family! It's May now, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month! I know that the mental health of our students is a priority for all of us, but it can sometimes be daunting to find the right resources in order to make sure that they are receiving the care that they need. As we move through May, here is a fun challenge that you can participate in should you like of different things you and your student can do daily during May to help improve mental health and a sense of well-being. As always, feel free to reach out to me or any of the other Student Support Team if you feel that your student is in need of any assistance with mental health or otherwise!
Family Resource/Youth Services Center
We have one month left of school and just a reminder that we have a food pantry at Brown that is open to all families. The pantry will be open throughout the summer as well. If you find your family in need please email me or call the school, we would love to help!
Louisville has a lot of summer camps available for students this summer. For a list of summer camps, click here.
If you are 16 years old or older, you can get a great job through SummerWorks. You can earn a paycheck and get valuable business experience at the same time. For more information, 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
Family Matters
How to Festival
If you're interested in learning some new skills, visit the Louisville Free Public Library's annual How to Festival at the main branch on May 13th from 10 am - 3 pm. https://www.lfpl.org/how-to/