Sunday, October 21, 2018

News for October 22, 2018





We had so much fun digging up a piece of the past. Thank you to those of you who could join us as the time capsule from 1998 was unearthed. Students will get a sneak peek of what was unveiled on the news this week. 

This Week at Brown School


Oct 23 Donuts with "Dads" (or any special grown-up) 7:30 - 8:15 a.m.
Kindergarten classes to Dinge's Farm (a.m.)
Oct 24 Late Start Day
            Fire Safety Assembly (Y5-2nd only) 10:00-10:30am in gym

Oct 25 Parents as Teachers playgroup in the gym ( 9 a.m.)

Coming Up...

Oct 29 Picture Re-Take Day (a.m.)
Oct 31 Late Start Day
Halloween Parties in the afternoon

Nov 2     End of the First Marking Period
              1/2 day - dismissal at 12:05 p.m. (ELE only - virtual records day)
              Last day to turn in walk-a-thon donations in order to be included in the drawing


Nov 5      Girl Scouts visit during lunch
               Girl Scout Sign-Ups 6 - 7 p.m.


Lunch Menu Changes

Please note that the published lunch menu has changed a bit for this week. Mrs. Punches will be serving max cheese sticks on Tuesday (10/23) and nachos on Wednesday (10/24) instead.

2018-19 Musical Program Dates

All evening programs begin at 6:00 p.m.. Students will perform as dress rehearsal during that same day for the students and staff.  



2nd Grade - November 15th 
3rd Grade -  December 19th 
1st Grade  - February 6th   
4th Grade  - March 11th   
5th Grade  - May 29th 



Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Our Students
We know the power of "yet" at our school and are helping students to embrace the "struggle". Not everything comes easily to all - nor should it if authentic learning is occurring. Perceived "failures" often result in powerful learning opportunities. The video below describes what a growth mindset is and why it is so important to encourage both at home and in school. 

To lean more about the power of a growth mindset, check out this article:
Ten Ways to Teach Kids to Have a Growth Mindset

Click here for a 4-week guide to cultivating a growth mindset. 

Dressing for the Weather
It’s beginning to feel a little more like fall outside. Please be sure to send your child to school dressed in layers. The temperatures during the day can vary greatly from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. 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.


Health Related Absences
Just a reminder that when reporting your child is out sick we need to know what specific illness is affecting your child, including symptoms. This allows us to accurately complete our weekly report for the Berrien County Health Department. Remember, your child has to be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school. 

If he/she visits the doctor, please get a note so that we can medically excuse the absence(s). This will prevent an the possibility of an accumulation of absences. Thank you!

October is Fire Prevention & Safety Month
Our primary students enjoyed a visit from the St. Joseph Township Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week. Thank you for sharing this important information with our students.

This is a good time of year to review your at-home emergency procedures, including planned escape routes and meeting places. Please take a few minutes to check your smoke alarm batteries too. Families needing smoke alarms are encouraged to contact the fire department. A little planning and preparation can make all the difference in saving your family from disaster.


Halloween Parties and Costumes
Our Halloween parties are scheduled for Wednesday, October 31st from 2:35-3:35 p.m., unless your child's class has a special at that time. All adults must sign in at the office.

Students may bring costumes to change into at last recess. Please be sure your child's costume is appropriate for school and make every effort to send a costume that could be worn over your child's regular clothing. This will help us start our parties on time. No weapons or scary masks are allowed.

If your child walks or is a car rider, he/she will be dismissed from school in costume. Bus riders will need to take their costumes off and stow them in their backpacks.


Community Corkboard
Looking for fall activities to enroll your child in?
Check out local offerings by visiting our Community Corkboard.


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.