What an exciting time of year! Students, parents, and staff alike are full of enthusiasm and promise for what our time together will bring. We look forward to forging new relationships, creating lifelong memories, and celebrating triumphs as a team. Our partnership will be the key in your child's success. We look forward to sharing it with you all!
What an exciting time of year! Students, parents, and staff alike are full of enthusiasm and promise for what our time together will bring. We look forward to forging new relationships, creating lifelong memories, and celebrating triumphs as a team. Our partnership will be the key in your child's success. We look forward to sharing it with you all!
Welcome to Brown School
Mrs. Kristen Bawks is honored to serve as Principal of this amazing school. She joins us from E.P. Clarke, where she worked as a teacher for thirteen years.
Mrs. Hilary Smodic joins our staff from Brandywine Schools, where she taught Kindergarten for six years. She is excited to join Mrs. DeLapa and Mrs. McCool in Kindergarten.
Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Amber Nowicki to our third grade team. She brings with her knowledge and experience from her experience with Berrien Springs Public Schools.
Mrs. Becky Lokey may be a familiar face to many, as she has served in many parent leadership roles and has worked as a guest teacher at Brown School as well. She will also join Mrs. Lear in third grade.
After teaching fifth grade for twelve years at E.P. Clarke Elementary, we welcome Mr. Ben Jager as our physical education teacher.
We would like to welcome Mrs. Jen Berry to our Brown School family. She will work in the Media Center with Mrs. Bacolor this year.
PTO News
We are pleased to welcome many new families to Brown School this year. Thank you for joining me in helping them all to feel welcomed.
If you are new to our school, please consider joining our PTO on the playground from 6:30-7:30 on August 23rd for a "New Family Meet and Greet".
2017-2018 Attendance Times
8:25 a.m. Students Enter Building
8:30 a.m. Tardy Bell Rings
3:48 p.m. Dismissal
Students enter at 9:25 a.m. on Late Starts
Half Days Dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.
August 29th Y5/K and New Student / Family Self-Guided Tours 5:30-6:00
An orientation video will be shard with all families new to Brown School soon. Stay posted!
“Welcome Back!” Ice Cream Social
The PTO invites you to attend the Welcome Back Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 29th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on our school playground. This is an opportunity for students to visit with old friends and meet new classmates. School staff members will be there to welcome you back. All Brown School families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Class lists will be posted that evening. Please consider carpooling to the event to help with parking lot congestion.
September 5th First Day of School - FULL DAY (Y5-5th)
September 12th Back to School Night
5:45 - 6:30 Session #1 ECDD, Y5, Kdg & 1st Grade
6:30-7:15 Session #2 2nd & 3rd Grade
7:15-8:00 Session #3 4th & 5th Grade
Media Center Volunteers
We need volunteers to assist in keeping our Media Center running smoothly. Please visit Mrs. Berry's table at Back to School Night to learn more and sign up!
Attention New Families
All enrollment/registration materials need to be complete before the school year begins. If you still need to bring in your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, physical, hearing/vision tests, or your proof of residency, please do so as soon as possible. You can bring them with you to turn in at Ice Cream Social or drop them off at the office anytime before then.
Contact Information
Our school phone number is (269) 926-3500. The school office is open Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please leave a message if calling after hours. You may also reach office staff via email at:
kbawks@sjschools.org (Kristen Bawks, Principal)
kmartin@sjschools.org (Kathy Martin, Administrative Assistant)
Indoor Shoes
Students are encouraged to keep a pair of athletic shoes here at school. This helps for days when students have Physical Education class, as well as in the winter when they wear boots.
Emergency Contact Information
Please update and return the emergency information form for your child that was sent home in your welcome packet as soon as possible. Families returning completed forms at our Ice Cream Social on August 29th will be entered in a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.
Class lists will be posted on Friday (August 18th) at the end of the day. Feel free to come and check them out!
Thank you for reading along! Please check in next week for updates related to food service, drop off and pick up routines, and bus routes.
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.
