Sunday, January 14, 2018

Brown School News for January 15, 2018





Thank you for partnering with us to support and enrich the lives of your children. We are so fortunate to work alongside you!




Monday 1/15 No School- in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tuesday 1/16 E Day

Wednesday 1/17 F Day
Late start day

Hearing/Vision screening begins

Thursday 1/18 A Day

Friday 1/19 B day
Mrs. Nowicki's class to Calling All Colors 9:00-11:15 a.m.

Elementary Swim and Gym @ SJHS 6-8 p.m.- please join us for an evening of fun!


Coming Up...

1/22 Kindness week begins (see details below)
          Midyear NWEA begins (see details below)
          Mrs. Lear's class to Calling All Colors 9:00-11:15 a.m.
          Board of Ed meeting 6 p.m. @ Central

1/25 Parents as Teachers playgroup in gym 9:30-10:30 a.m.- learn more here
         3rd grade to Sarett (a.m.)      
       
1/26  School spirit order due today!
           Pajama day- Dream of Kindness Day
           Y5/K-5 half-day- dismisal at 12:05 p.m.

1/29  PTO meeting 7-8 p.m. Media Center- please join us!

2/1    Mrs. McCool's class to Upton's planetarium      

2/2   Maker Day @ Brown- more details to come!

2/5   Pennies for Patients drive begins

2/7   Late start day

2/9  Fourth graders to Lansing 
         Hearing and Vision re-screening
         Popcorn day!

2/13 Skate Night 6-8 @ Lakeshore Roller World

2/14   Late start day
           Valentine's Day parties 2:15-3:30

2/15  First grade musical- 6:00 p.m.





Miss Brooklynn McLaughlin is working with Ms. Barron this semester as she completes her student teaching through Western Michigan University. Welcome to Brown School, Miss McLaughlin! 





Principal's Breakfast
Throughout the school year, all Brown School students will have the opportunity to join Mrs. Bawks in the Media Center for a light snack and conversation.  This is a great opportunity for us to connect and get to know each other even better. Every week a different student is selected from each classroom. Look for your child's invitation to come home sometime this school year.  




If you are interested in volunteering an hour or so per week to assist with copying/material prep for our amazing teachers, please let Mrs. Bawks or Mrs. Martin know. We would love to have your help! 


Substitute Lunch Monitors Needed
We are looking for people to sub in the lunchroom and/or at lunch recess (from 11:30-12:45) in the event that our regularly scheduled staff is not able to be with us.  If you are interested, please let Mrs. Martin know and she will get you more details.




Winter Weather & Outdoor Play
Whenever possible we're outside for recess. Please be sure your child is prepared to make the most of playtime with friends by sending snow pants, boots, hats, and gloves/mittens to school each day.



Weather Delays & Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather, notifications about school closures or delays will be sent via School Messenger and will be posted with local media outlets. Please be sure we have your most current contact information on file in the school office. All evening events are canceled if school is closed for the day.

Two hour delays are similar to late start days, except everything runs two hours late and there are no supervised activities for students before school.



Lunch Slips
Mrs. Punches issued lunch slips to students on Friday, January 12th, that need a boost in their lunch funds. Please click here to add money electronically or feel free to send a check or cash to school with your child(ren) in an envelope marked with his/her first and last name. Thank you!








Midyear NWEA Testing

In effort to monitor student growth and progress, all K-5 students will take the midyear NWEA reading and math tests soon. Our testing window will be from January 22nd-February 1st. Teachers will use the data to design small group enrichment and intervention lessons for their students. 



Kindness Week

The Great Kindness Challenge, celebrated January 22nd- 26th, provides us the opportunity to focus on spreading kindness to those around us.  We are looking forward to a week "bursting with kindness".  Please note that all of the activities below are optional, students are not required to participate. 





Monday: Every student will get a "Burst of Kindness" notecard to leave behind after performing an act of kindness.

Kindness checklists will be distributed to students and can be completed both at school and at home.

Monday/Tuesday: Students can elect to go to the Media Center at recess and make "good luck" notes for middle and high school students who are taking finals.

Wednesday: Tech team and student council reps will give out Starbursts in the cross-hall to students as a reminder to share a "burst of kindness".

Thursday: Students can chose to write a card for Caretel residents during recess in the Media Center.

Friday: Dream of Kindness- pajama day at Brown School!




Extended Learning Opportunities
Extended learning opportunities are planned throughout the day to support students’ academic, social and emotional growth. These experiences are offered to students based on teacher recommendation and may be facilitated by other teachers, our intervention team members or our school social worker, Mrs. Colette Jasiak.  If you would prefer that your child not participate in these types of experiences, please contact Mrs. Bawks at 926-3500.


MAKER DAY 2018

Plans are underway for Brown School's Maker Day to be held on February 2nd during the school day.  There will be a variety of S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) options available for classes to enjoy.  It is sure to be a fun and educational event!


Girls on the Run Registration ends Jan 17th

Register now so your daughter is able to participate in the Girls on the Run program this year! The program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls starts in February. Information about this amazing program is available online. We are in need of additional coaches. If you are interested, please contact our site coordinator, Kristi Gousetis at kgousetis@sbcglobal.net.



It is the policy of the St. Joseph Public School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Brown School News for December 18, 2017



The Brown School Staff would like to wish you and your families a magical holiday season. Thank you for sharing your special gifts with us each and every day!


This Week at Brown School

Tuesday 12/19  Wear red and green today!

Wednesday 12/20 -No late start today!
Wear a holiday shirt to school
PTO providing staff appreciation lunch - thank you!

Thursday 12/21
Wear holiday headwear! 
Grades 2-5 travel to SJHS for a Holiday concert - buses leave school at 8:50 a.m. and return at 10:45 a.m.

Friday 12/221/2 day of school- dismissal at 12:05 p.m.
Wear silly holiday socks!
Classroom Holiday parties

Classroom Holiday Parties - 10:00- 11a.m.
All-school recess 11:00-11:15 a.m.
Movie party 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

* the day's schedule may vary if your child's class has a special- refer to your child's teacher for details



The school office will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, December 22nd and will reopen when school resumes on Monday, January 8th. ALL students must be picked up on Friday no later than 12:20 p.m. Thank you for your attention to this.




Coming Up After the Holiday Break...

Monday 1/8 School resumes!

Wednesday 1/10 Not a late start day!

Monday 1/15 No school in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tuesday 1/16 Vision and hearing screening begins
                          Midyear NWEA testing begins






Such a fabulous performance, third graders! 
Thank you for sharing your talents with us!


Substitute Lunch Monitors Needed!
If you love to work with kids and are available most days between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., we'd love to have you assist in our lunchroom! Please let Kristen know if you are interested. 



At Home Reading Plan
Working hand in hand with your child's teacher in supporting reading at home is critical to his/her continued growth and progress. We are pleased to share an incredibly valuable resource created for families everywhere by Kalamazoo RESA. Please click here to access this site loaded with resources to support you in supporting your child at home.



Brown School Parent Survey
As a part of our ongoing school improvement work, the staff and I are seeking your valuable input as our partner. Please complete this quick survey by December 22nd that will assist our school improvement team in meeting our students' and their families' needs. Access the survey by clicking here. We thank you for your support!



Giving Tree
If you are interested in spoiling a staff member this Holiday season, please stop by The Giving Tree, in the main entry, to check out Brown School staff wish list items. Simply take a cut-out with you and after purchasing, deliver to the listed person. We thank you for your thoughtfulness!






Inclement Weather & School Cancellation Announcements
In the event of inclement weather, announcements regarding school closures and delays will be made via School Messenger and posted with local news outlets. Please be sure we have your most up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses on file in the school office. Two hour delays work very similarly to our late start days, just one hour later. School would begin at 10:25 a.m. - buses would run two hours later than normal.




It is the policy of the St. Joseph Public School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Brown School News for December 11, 2017






It's beginning to look a lot like winter!  Thank you for being sure to label all of your child's belongings. Please be sure to take a look at the lost and found rack in the hallway the next time you are at school.  All items that are not claimed by winter break will be donated to a local charity.  





Coming Up at Brown School

12/11  Board of Education meeting at Upton @ 6 p.m.


12/12  Third graders present The Nutcracker at 6 p.m.


12/13   Late start


12/15  Popcorn Friday! Thank you, volunteers!

          Movie Night featuring The Grinch @ 6 p.m.
 

12/21 Holiday Concert @ SJHS - 9:00-10:30 a.m.
(Grades 2-5 only)


12/22 1/2 Day K-12 Winter Break Begins @ 12:05 p.m.
Classroom Holiday Parties - 10- 11am
All-school recess 11:00-11:15 a.m.
Movie party 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.



Brown School Parent Survey
We need your input! Please complete this quick survey that will assist our school improvement team in meeting our students' and parents' needs. Access the survey by clicking here. We thank you for your support!


Author Visit
We would like thank our incredibly generous St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation and our Brown School PTO for making our visit with Patricia Polacco possible. It was a day full of inspiration and excitement. Thank you for your generosity!


Reading at Home Resource
We know that reading with your child at home is critical to his/her continued growth and progress, therefore, we are pleased to share an incredibly valuable resource created for families everywhere by Kalamazoo RESA. Please click here to access this fabulous site.


Inclement Weather & School Cancellation Announcements
In the event of inclement weather, announcements regarding school closures and delays will be made via School Messenger and posted with local news outlets. Please be sure we have your most up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses on file in the school office. Two hour delays work very similarly to our late start days, just one hour later. School would begin at 10:25 a.m. - buses would run two hours later than normal.

Winter Bus Reminders
Just a couple reminders to help ensure our bus riders stay safe this time of year. Students waiting for their bus are reminded not to climb on snow piles near intersections or in roadways. No snowball fighting or throwing is allowed. When possible, it is recommended that at least one adult form the neighborhood / stop is present with the students while waiting. Remember, our students' safety is everyone's business! The drivers may require extra time on days when it is slick. We thank you in advance for your patience.


Giving Tree
If you are interested in spoiling a staff member this Holiday season, please stop by The Giving Tree, in the main entry, to check out Brown School staff wish list items. Simply take a cut-out with you and after purchasing, deliver to the listed person. We thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Movie Night
The PTO is pleased to host a family movie night featuring The Grinch staring Jim Carrey on Friday, December 15th, from 6-8 p.m.. Please remember that adults must accompany all students. You are welcome to bring in food, blankets, and lawn chairs.  We thank you in advance for cleaning up after yourselves and your children. For questions please email Mrs. Lange at rachael8605@yahoo.com.


It is the policy of the St. Joseph Public School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Brown School News for December 4, 2017









This Week at Brown School



12/4    Patricia Polacco visits Brown School!   
           
12/6   Late start

          Santa Shop begins- afternoon in the Media Center

12/7   Santa Shop - afternoon in the Media Center


12/8   Brown Bear Credit Union 8 a.m.

          Santa Shop- afternoon in the Media Center





Coming Up


12/11  Board of Education meeting @ Upton 6 p.m.


12/12   Third graders perform the Nutcracker performance @ 6 p.m.


12/13   Late start



Brown School Welcomes Patricia Polacco!




Learn more about our special visiting author by clicking here


Girls On The Run
Attention parents of third, fourth, and fifth grade girls!  The 2018 Girls on the Run (GOTR) program registration has begun!  This fantastic program is a big hit with our girls every year.  We are in need of coaches for the Tuesday/Thursday team.





Dressing for the Weather
Winter weather is upon us.  Please be sure to send your children dressed for the chilly morning temperatures and please label all coats, hats, gloves, and boots as our lost and found is already growing with winter gear. Remember that students are expected to be prepared for the elements so that they can fully participate in all three recesses and wait outdoors comfortably and the beginning and end of the day.



Pick-Up Times
School dismisses at 3:48 on full days and 12:05 on half-days. There is not after school supervision after 4:00 p.m. Please make all necessary arrangements to ensure your child is picked up no later than 4:00 daily, or 12:15 on half-days.  Thank you for your attention to this important matter.


Holiday Happenings at Brown School


Santa's Secret Shop will run from December 6th - 8th. Information and envelopes were sent home with your child last week. If you are interested in helping the kids shop or wrap gifts, please contact Marylin Bishop at m.bishop407@yahoo.com.

Holiday Concert
All 2nd-5th grade students will be traveling to the high school on December 21st to view a Holiday Concert courtesy of our SJHS Band, Orchestra, and Choir.  This annual event is such a treat to our elementary students. 

Classroom holiday parties will be on Friday, December 21st from 10-11 a.m. unless the classroom teacher arranges a different time due to a special. 


Thank you for all of the donations you have so generously sent in for our annual Toys for Tots drive. We are gladly accepting donation of new, unwrapped toys through December 7th. We appreciate your generosity!


Save your Coca-Cola Caps and send them in with your child. We can turn them into cash for our school! 





It is the policy of the St. Joseph Public School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment.