General Procedures

All students are required to be in the classroom by 8:00 a.m. each school day.  

All students are required by law to attend school every day and to be on time for school and all classes. Tardiness is not just being late for school as traditionally interpreted; it is defined by law as “any amount of instructional time missed.” This includes being late to school or leaving school before classes are dismissed. Students are required to sign in on an Entry Log if they are late to school or to sign out of school on an Exit Log if they leave the building during any part of the instructional day.

Any day your child is absent, the parent or guardian must notify the school office of the absence.  When a child returns to school,  the parent or guardian must send a note explaining the reason for the absence.  If the child saw a medical professional when absent, please send an excuse note from that professional.  Absences from school will be considered unexcused without a parent/guardian note or medical note received within three (3) days of the absence.  Tardiness can only be excused with a medical statement.

An excused absence is one for which work may be made up.  Excused absences include such circumstances and occasions as an illness of the student, religious holidays and practices, one day for attendance at the Kentucky State Fair, death or severe illness in a student’s immediate family, and other valid reasons as determined by the principal.  After a total of ten cumulative full-day absences due to illness, parents are required to present a written statement from a medical professional (doctor, dentist, psychologist, etc.) for additional absences during the current school year in order for the student to be excused.

Missing the bus, car problems, traffic due to weather or accident, oversleeping, parent illness, parent medical appointments and family vacations are examples of absences that cannot be excused.  Such events cannot be treated as excused because they cannot be documented by the district.

What happens when a child has unexcused absences?

1. The school clerk will notify parents for up to three unexcused absences.

2. With additional unexcused absences, the Family Resource Center Coordinator or counselor will make contact with the parent.

3. After six (6) unexcused absences, the clerk will make a truancy referral to Pupil Personnel for follow-up.

4. Subsequent unexcused absences will initiate further action that may include a PRE-CPS or Final Truancy Notice, and / or a referral to Child Protective Services or Juvenile Court.

5. JCPS may also file a criminal complaint against parents whose children accumulate excessive unexcused absences.

Feel free to contact your child’s Family Resource / Youth Services Center Coordinator for assistance if you find it difficult to have your child in school on time every day.

Tardies to Class

When arriving late to class because of late dismissal, conferencing with a teacher, or finishing a test, quiz or project, please make sure you have a note from your previous teacher.  Five tardies to school/class will result in a referral to the administrator and may result in disciplinary action. 

Make-Up Work

The J. Graham Brown School adheres to the JCPS policy on Make-Up Work (found on p. 36 and 40 of the SSBIH). The  specific guidelines for Make-Up Work can be found in the SBDM Make-Up Work Policy below.

Grading

The academic grade reflects what a student knows and is able to do.  The academic grade is based on student performance and demonstrated proficiency. Specific components of the academic grade can be found in the JCPS Assessing Learning and Grading Frameworks (ALGF).

Middle School Assessing Learning and Grading Framework

High School Assessing Learning and Grading Framework

Individual teachers will provide specifics on their own assessment methods within each course syllabus.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Parent/guardians and students may access progress reports and report cards via the Infinite Campus Portal.  Additionally, parents/guardians may request a printed copy in the front office.

High School Report Cards are posted at the end of the first and second semester. A six-week progress report and a 12 week progress report are posted in order to keep parents and guardians updated.

Middle School Report Cards are posted every six weeks. 

Conflict Resolutions Protocol Policy

In matters involving the planning and resolution of issues regarding instructional practices, parents and students are encouraged to adhere to the following protocol.

• The issue should first be discussed with the teacher using the course syllabus, outline, student handbook, Student Progression, Promotion, and Grading Handbook, or other relevant documents as a reference.

• If the issue is not resolved, a member of the administrative staff (counselor or assistant principal) will be added to the discussion.

• If no resolution is reached, the issue will be brought before the principal.

The contractual agreement between the Jefferson County Board of Education and the Jefferson County Teachers’ Association as well as JCPS policy will be followed through this process.

High School Graduation Requirements

To earn a high school diploma from JCPS, as well as from the Brown School, a student must successfully complete the state-required 22 academic credits. The following is a summary of core classes and required elective courses constitute the minimum graduation standards*.

4 Credits of English

3 Credits of Science

3 Credits of Math (Enrollment in a Math course is required each year)

3 Credits of History

1 Credit of of Health/Physical Education (1/2 credit each)

7 Credits of Electives 

Sample High School Electives

Spanish, I, II, II

American Sign Language I, II

Art, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Drama/Theatre

AP Biology

AP Environmental Science, Forensics

AP Statistics

AP Psychology

Journalism, Yearbook

Creative Writing

Graduation requirements may vary slightly based on the year in which the student entered high school. Details of specific graduation requirements can be viewed in the JCPS High School Student Progression, Promotion, and Graduation Handbook. This is linked under the Student Menu of our website, and the Handbooks link.

JCPS Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook and the Student Bill of Rights

JCPS is responsible for providing a safe and orderly classroom environment where all students receive a quality education. This access to a quality educational environment is a right given to each student through Kentucky law. The Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 158.440 states, “Every student should have access to a safe, secure, and orderly school that is conducive to learning.” Responsible behavior of students, parents, teachers, and other district personnel is essential to ensuring this right. 

The newest edition of this handbook can be found HERE.

Behavior

The Brown School is unique in that it is a kindergarten through 12th grade public school.  To honor this uniqueness and to ensure that Brown remains K-12, upper school students are expected to be role models for their younger peers. Horseplay, illegal activities, loud, disruptive, and/or disrespectful behavior are unacceptable and can all have negative impacts on younger children in various ways.  Public displays of affection including kissing, hugging, and sitting on laps are inappropriate in a school environment. Please be careful of how you carry yourself and interact with fellow students, faculty, and staff at the Brown School.  Upper School students are expected to model desirable social behavior for younger students in the building.

School Expectations

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Be Safe

And Always Pursue Excellence!

Language

Language use in the classroom and hallway should be appropriate and respectful for all age groups.  The use of demeaning language or offensive language is prohibited. Please respect younger students, fellow peers, faculty, and staff by using appropriate and respectful language or discussion topics.  Use of inappropriate language in school is contrary to our school’s mission statement and will be treated as a disciplinary offense.

Tobacco and Vaping Products

The Jefferson County Public School district observes a policy regarding the use and possession of tobacco and vaping products at school, on school grounds, or at any official school activity.  Students are not allowed to have tobacco/vaping products in their possession, make use of such products at school, or at any school event.  Staff members have the authority to confiscate such products and refer the student to the administration for disciplinary action as outlined by the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook. 

Alcohol and Drugs

JCPS policy prohibits the use, possession, and/or distribution of all controlled/illegal chemicals and alcohol on school property by students.  A student in possession of, distributing, or exhibiting behaviors and symptoms of being under the influence of illicit substances, will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook. In addition, a parent conference is required where assessment and treatment alternatives are explored. 

Before and After School Supervision

Student safety is a priority at the J. Graham Brown School.  It presents a threat to student safety and well-being when students are left unsupervised outside of the school day by parents/guardians.  Student safety is a priority, and students who are left unsupervised by parents/guardians after school are at risk.  The school provides supervision from 7:20 AM to 3:00 PM each day.  It is imperative that students, who are not participating in a supervised school activity, be picked up by 3:00 PM to prevent them from spending any time unsupervised at school. 

Morning Drop Off Procedures

Students may be dropped off at school beginning at 7:20 AM. There is no school bus transportation for J. Graham Brown School. Students walking to school (including those walking from a TARC) should enter through the Welcome Center (main entrance). Students who are dropped off by car should be dropped off through the alley at Exit 12 or at the Welcome Center (main entrance on First Street).  Students who drive to school and park in the YMCA garage on 2nd Street may enter through the third floor pedway with staff until 8:00 AM. After 8:00 AM all students must enter through the Welcome Center (main entrance) on First Street. The three options for morning arrival are summarized below:

Car Rider Alley (K-12): 

• From Chestnut St. enter the alley behind the school 

• Drive slow - Do not park in the business behind us

• 7:20 AM Doors Open

• Student will enter at Door #12

• Parents remain in cars 

Welcome Center (Grades K-12): 

• On 1st Street please park along the curb

• 7:20 AM Doors Open

• Student will enter at Door #2

• Parents remain in cars 

• Obey traffic laws - drive slow 

• Do NOT double park - Keep our kids safe!

Pedway (Student Drivers): 

• From 2nd Street Student will park in YMCA Garage

• 7:20 AM Doors Open

• Students MUST park in assigned parking spot

• Student will enter on third floor pedway door