Sunday, November 17, 2019

News for November 18, 2019



During this season of gratitude, we would like to sincerely thank all of our families for your support. Your partnership is valued, appreciated, and essential to our collective success. Thank you for sharing your children with us every day. 
*Please note: A new post will not be made to this blog until after the Thanksgiving break.

This Week and Next at Brown School
11/18  Welcome back, Mrs. Nowicki! 

11/19  PTO Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. - please join us!
           Student Council meeting @ 12:10 p.m.

11/20   Late start day
    
11/21  Parents as Teachers Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m.

11/25  Mrs. Nowicki's Class to Calling All Colors 9 -11 a.m.

11/27  1/2 Day- dismissal at 12:06 p.m. - the office will close right after dismissal, please make pick up arrangements in advance

11/28-11/29 Thanksgiving Break - No School



Coming Up...
12/2   School resumes
          Spelling Club 12:10-12:35 in Media Center
          Release Time Bible Class 1:05 - 2:20 p.m.

12/3   Access 8:10 in Media Center 
          4th graders to Kalamazoo Valley Museum 9am-2pm
          Holiday Shoppe in Media Center
          
12/4   Late start day
          Holiday Shoppe in Media Center

12/5  Holiday Shoppe in Media Center

12/6  Class preview for the book fair today
         Popcorn Friday!

12/9  Book Fair begins (12/9-12/13)
         Spelling Club meets in M.C. 12:10-12:35 p.m.
         Board of Ed meeting 6 p.m. at Central

12/16 Spelling Club meets in M.C. 12:10-12:35 p.m.
"New Year, New You" Celebrations 
We will celebrate the power of a growth mindset and the importance goal setting with a New Year, New You Celebration on January 10, 2020. Our classrooms will have parties from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in lieu of a traditional winter holiday party in December before our break. Our hope is that this will alleviate some of the holiday stress on our families, as well as honor the diversity within our school and community. Please click on the link below to learn more about the difference between a growth & a fixed mindset.




First Lego League and Jr First Lego League
Would you like to know what JR FLL and FLL are all about? Have you wondered what it takes to coach, mentor, or volunteer?

All are invited to an informational meeting Monday, November 18th at 5:30 in the Lincoln Media Center.  Parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, aunts/uncles - all are welcome. Come view the Show Me posters and models made by our 4 Jr FLL teams. Get a look at Lincoln's FLL team's robot and missions, the research/solution and core values poster.
Hear from our wonderful coaches who just finished the season! We are hoping to keep the robotics program going strong for years to come! And if you are ready - I am ready to help you become a coach!

PTO Corner


Thank You!
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped serve our students at the Thanksgiving luncheon.  Your help made the setup, serving, and cleanup process very efficient!
Thank you Brooke Roberts for taking the lead for the Spring Picnic!
Announcements
Walk-A-Thon
We had an incredibly successful Walk-a-thon, thank you to everyone for your support!! We are still accepting donations both at school and online at http://Bit.ly/WalkathonDonations.

Book Fair
If you volunteer at the book fair you will get a 20% discount off of your purchase!  More details in the Upcoming Volunteer Needs section below.

Spelling Bee
Hello parents! Spelling Bee study lists have been passed out to 3-5th grade teachers this week.  I will be meeting with interested spellers in the Media Center during lunch recess the first 3 Mondays in December, so please help your students remember to attend if they are planning to compete in this year’s Spelling Bee!  Our Brown School Spelling Bee will take place after school at 4pm on January 30th, 2020 in the Brown School Gymnasium. I will have more information after winter break. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail me. 

Thank you!
Brandi Johnson (BLRauch@gmail.com)

Reminders
Please download the Box Tops for Education app by visiting https://www.boxtops4education.com/.  
Upcoming Volunteer Needs
Let us know events you are interested in by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/VolunteerAtBrown.  This is not a firm commitment!  You will be contacted by the committee with specific needs at the appropriate time.
  • Media Center:  3rd-5th grade classes have been added to the MC schedule through December.  If you are interested in assisting with book returns, check-out, reshelving books and class activity centers, please fill out a volunteer form and we will contact you.  You choose which shifts (45 minutes per shift) you would like to sign up for - the teachers for each shift are listed so you can coordinate with your student’s time in the Media Center.  https://signup.com/go/gAFMxHJ
  • Book Fair: The Brown Media Center staff host a book fair a few times a year.  Helpers are needed to run the check-out and tidy up stock. Shifts are 1 hour and primarily occur during the school day, just before and just after school. The signup.com is ready to be filled out!   https://signup.com/go/DEBQSTf
  • Holiday Shoppe: The Holiday Shoppe is quickly approaching. We would love volunteers for December 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the afternoon.  During this volunteer opportunity, you would help students shop and bag their gifts. Look for more information soon. 



Thank you for your generosity, Brown School families. Together we collected 810 food items for our local pantry! Mrs. Nimtz class were the top collectors with 132 items. Congratulations!

Holiday Giving Opportunity
The SJHS Interact Club has partnered with Mosaic Resale & Resource Center out of Benton Harbor to assist in collecting new, unopened and unwrapped toys for their Wonderland Toy Store.  They are hoping for donations of toys between $10-$15 price range.  There is a collection box here at school in the cross halls through December 16th.  

The student Interact Club will be taking all of the donations to a church (a.k.a. Wonderland Store) in Benton Harbor where they will be sold to those in need at a very discounted rate. They will also be volunteering in the store the days leading up to Christmas. We appreciate your generosity and support. #BetterTogether

Mrs. Nowicki's Classroom News



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.



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Sunday, November 10, 2019

News for November 11, 2019






A HUGE thank you goes out to our Walk-A-Thon committee for their steadfast dedication to our school's annual fundraiser. We celebrated our collective success with our students and staff during Friday's assembly. Congratulations to our top walkers/runners, as well as our top fundraisers. 

While we don't have the final figure to report yet, as we are still graciously accepting pledges, we can tell you that we are incredibly optimistic as we have already exceed our goal of $16,000. WOW! Go Team Brown!  Stay tuned for the final figure. Thank you for your continued support. 



This Week at Brown School

11/11 Stuff-a-Truck collection ends

11/12   Access in Media Center @ 8:10 a.m.
           Thanksgiving Luncheon 11:40 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

11/13   Late start

11/14 Beauty & the Beast Musical Preview @ the HS ECDD-5th grade leave at 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

11/15  1/2 Day - records day dismissal at 12:06 p.m.
           Mrs. Hooker's last day in 3rd grade!
Way to go, Second Graders!
Your performance of Squirm was fabulous!

Coming Up...

11/18  Welcome back, Mrs. Nowicki! 

11/19  PTO Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. - please join us!
           Student Council meeting @ 12:10 p.m.

11/20   Late start day
    
11/21  Parents as Teachers Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m.

11/25  Mrs. Nowicki's Class to Calling All Colors 9 -11 a.m.

11/27  1/2 Day- dismissal at 12:06 p.m. - the office will close right after dismissal, please make arrangements in advance

11/28-11/29 Thanksgiving Break - No School


Winter Weather Has Arrived!
Students participate in outdoor recess three times per day and need to be bundled up for the elements. Please be sure your child has snow pants and winter boots for outdoor play. Be sure to label all winter gear with your child's name.  Should the wind chill temperature drop below 10 degrees, we will stay inside for recesses. 

PTO Corner

Thank You!
Thank you everyone who has turned in your Walk-A-Thon donations.  If you haven’t turned yours in, you can still do so!

Did you know that the PTO supports a gift for each classroom (including specials) to help fund supplies?  Our teachers appreciate it!

Announcements
Walk-A-Thon
We had an incredibly successful Walk-a-thon, thank you to everyone for your support!! We are still accepting donations both at school and online at http://Bit.ly/WalkathonDonations.

Thanksgiving Luncheon
This Tuesday, November 12th is the Thanksgiving Luncheon.  Kindergarten classes will be singing for their fellow students at this lunch.  In the past, parents have only been allowed to attend if they were volunteering at the luncheon.  We have reviewed our space constraints and will be allowing Kindergarten parents to attend in standing-room only capacity to watch their children perform two short songs.  Parents will be asked to attend a performance based on their child’s class: Mrs. DeLapa and Miss Kodis' classes @ 11:40 and Miss Barkovich's @ 12:30. Also, due to the limited space, we ask that only those volunteering to serve lunch remain for the entire lunch period. If you would like to sign up to serve, you can do so at this link: https://signup.com/go/QznndWP
Reminders
Please download the Box Tops for Education app by visiting https://www.boxtops4education.com/.  

Upcoming Volunteer Needs
Let us know events you are interested in by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/VolunteerAtBrown.  This is not a firm commitment!  You will be contacted by the committee with specific needs at the appropriate time.
  • Committee Chair Position:  Do you like to plan and organize?  We are looking for someone to chair the Spring Picnic committee.  We have a binder of information to get committee chairs started, you won’t be in this alone!  Please let any PTO board member or Kristen Bawks know if you are interested.
  • Media Center:  3rd-5th grade classes have been added to the MC schedule through December.  If you are interested in assisting with book returns, check-out, reshelving books and class activity centers, please fill out a volunteer form and we will contact you.  You choose which shifts (45 minutes per shift) you would like to sign up for - the teachers for each shift are listed so you can coordinate with your student’s time in the Media Center.  https://signup.com/go/gAFMxHJ
  • Book Fair: The Brown Media Center staff host a Scholastic Book fair a few times a year.  Helpers are needed to run the check-out and tidy up stock. Shifts are 1 hour and primarily occur during the school day, though a few evening slots may be available.
  • Holiday Shop: The Holiday Shop is quickly approaching. We would love volunteers for December 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the afternoon.  During this volunteer opportunity, you would help students shop and bag their gifts. Look for more information soon. 


Brown School is hiring!
We are looking for caring individuals to work with our students as substitute lunch monitors. In addition, we are actively seeking a before and after school monitor to supervise students and direct traffic in our main parking lot daily (total of 1.5 hours per day). Please email Kristen Bawks (kbawks@sjschools.org) if interested. We'd love to have you join our team!

Operation Coats
Please consider donating new or gently worn coats to Operation Coats, sponsored by the Women's Service League. The donation box is located in our office vestibule. Thank you for helping to keep our community members warm this winter! 
SJHS Student Senate invites all Veterans to join us for breakfast on Monday, November 11th at 8 am at St. Joseph High School. RSVP: bit.ly/VETBREAKFAST2019

Please share with your family, friends and neighbors!


Classroom News
Mrs. Lokey's Classroom News
Mrs. Hassenger's Classroom News
Mrs. Nimtz's Classroom News
Mrs. Schueneman's Classroom News
Ms. Zelenock's Classroom News


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.

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Sunday, November 3, 2019

News for November 4, 2019




November already?! Our school calendar is filling up as we head into a season of celebrations, special events, and activities. Thank you for reading along each week to stay connected and informed. We appreciate your partnership!

 This Week at Brown School

11/4     2nd Grade Performance @ 6 p.m.
            Stuff-a-Truck Collection begins
            Last day for Walk-a-Thon donations in order to be in                drawing for the Kindle Fire!

11/5     Hassenger to Calling All Colors 9:05 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

11/6     Late Start Day

11/7     1/2 Day - Dismissal at 12:06 p.m.

11/8     1/2 Day -  Dismissal at 12:06 p.m. 
            Pajama Day!
            Walk-A-Thon Drawing and Celebration 
       
Coming Up...

11/11 Stuff-a-Truck collection ends

11/12   Access in Media Center @ 8:10 a.m.
Thanksgiving Luncheon 11:40 and 12:30

11/13   Late start

11/14 Beauty & the Beast Musical Preview @ the HS ECDD-5th grade leave at 1:15 p.m. and return to school at 2:30 p.m.

11/15  1/2 Day - records day dismissal at 12:06 p.m.
           Mrs. Hooker's last day in 3rd grade!

11/18  Welcome back, Mrs. Nowicki! 

11/19  PTO Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. - please join us!
           Student Council meeting @ 12:10 p.m.

11/20   Late start day
    
11/21  Parents as Teachers Playgroup 9:30-10:30 a.m.

11/25  Mrs. Nowicki's Class to Calling All Colors 9 -11 a.m.

11/27  1/2 Day- dismissal at 12:06 p.m. - the office will close right after dismissal, please make arrangements in advance

11/28-11/29 Thanksgiving Break - No School

Second grade reading conference in action.

Stuff a Truck Food Drive
Student Council is proud to help connect our school community with the larger Berrien County community by collecting non-perishable (canned goods, boxed dinner/pasta) food items now through Monday, November 11. If you are able, simply pick up an item (or more) at the grocery store, and send it to school with your student to be donated. We collect now because there is a greater need for food around the holidays. In addition to the positive feelings that occur with giving to those in need, there is a classroom incentive (prize) for the class that donates the most perishable food items. 

This event is sponsored by 97.5 Y Country and Rogers. Items are donated to the Southwest Michigan Action Agency. 









Toys for Tots Opportunity
We are a family here at our school and we want to make sure all the members of our family have what they need. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots has a chapter in our community that will provide assistance to families in need
around the holiday season by providing gifts for children. If this is a resource that your family might benefit from, please either apply in person at the Salvation Army (233 Michigan Street Benton Harbor, MI 49022) November 4th - November 8th, 2019 or you can apply on-line beginning now through November 8th. Here is a link to the application https://berrien-mi.toysfortots.org You will receive confirmation between November 16-November 23 and the gift distribution process will occur, December 17th and 18th. Further information is available: www.facebook.com/toysfortots and www.twitter.com/ToysForTots_USA.

24 Hour Fever & Vomit Free Rule
When  reporting your child’s illness to the school, 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. Please help us prevent the spread of illness here at school by remembering that your child has to be fever free (without medication) and vomit free for 24 hours before returning to class. Thank you!

PTO Corner

Thank You!
Thank you everyone who has turned in your Walk-A-Thon donations.  If you haven’t turned yours in, you can still do so!

Announcements
Walk-A-Thon
Thank you to all our families that have turned in your donations!! We are close to meeting our goal so if you still have yours at home please send them in as soon as possible!!

Donations need to be turned in on Monday, November 4th to qualify to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing for a Kindle Fire!  One entry will be given to any student that donates $30, with additional entries for every $10 over that. The drawing will take place during our awards celebration on November 8th.

If you would like to donate online please visit  http://Bit.ly/WalkathonDonations. If you wish to sponsor a student you may do this online by using ‘sponsor student’ in the student name section. 
  
Thanksgiving Luncheon
November 12th is the Thanksgiving Luncheon.  Kindergarten classes will be singing for their fellow students at this lunch.  In the past, parents have only been allowed to attend if they were volunteering at the luncheon.  We have reviewed our space constraints and will be allowing Kindergarten parents to attend in standing-room only capacity to watch their children perform two short songs.  Parents will be asked to attend a performance based on their child’s class: Mrs. DeLapa and Miss Kodis' classes @ 11:40 and Miss Barkovich's @ 12:30. Also, due to the limited space, we ask that only those volunteering to serve lunch remain for the entire lunch period. If you would like to sign up to serve, you can do so at this link:  https://signup.com/go/QznndWP

Reminders
Please download the Box Tops for Education app by visiting https://www.boxtops4education.com/.  

Turn in your Walk-a-Thon donations as soon as you have collected them!  Please indicate online payments on the donation form.
Upcoming Volunteer Needs
Let us know events you are interested in by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/VolunteerAtBrown.  This is not a firm commitment!  You will be contacted by the committee with specific needs at the appropriate time.
  • Committee Chair Position:  Do you like to plan and organize?  We are looking for someone to chair the Spring Picnic committee.  We have a binder of information to get committee chairs started, you won’t be in this alone!  Please let any PTO board member or Kristen Bawks know if you are interested.
  • Media Center:  3rd-5th grade classes have been added to the MC schedule through December.  If you are interested in assisting with book returns, check-out, reshelving books and class activity centers, please fill out a volunteer form and we will contact you.  You choose which shifts (45 minutes per shift) you would like to sign up for - the teachers for each shift are listed so you can coordinate with your student’s time in the Media Center.  https://signup.com/go/gAFMxHJ
  • Book Fair: The Brown Media Center staff host a Scholastic Book fair a few times a year.  Helpers are needed to run the check-out and tidy up stock. Shifts are 1 hour and primarily occur during the school day, though a few evening slots may be available.
  • Holiday Shop: The Holiday Shop is quickly approaching. We would love volunteers for December 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the afternoon.  During this volunteer opportunity, you would help students shop and bag their gifts. Look for more information soon. 
Operation Coats
Please consider donating new or gently worn coats to Operation Coats, sponsored by the Women's Service League. The donation box is located in our office vestibule. Thank you for helping to keep our community members warm this winter! 

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.

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