We are counting down the days until the first day of school.
As you prepare for the new school year, I’d like to provide answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
Additionally, please plan to visit the Brown County Schools booth at the Brown County 4-H Fair, where our team of administrators and school board members will be available to answer questions. We will have school calendars, supply lists, free pencils and a sweet treat for all who stop by and say hello.
Q: When does school start?
A: The first student day is Wednesday, Aug. 8. Teachers and staff will report Monday, Aug. 6.
Q: How do I register my student for school?
A: Registration for all Brown County Junior High School and Brown County High School students takes place in both buildings Tuesday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the junior high school. On Wednesday, Aug. 1, registration will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the junior high school and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school. If you are new to Brown County Schools and have a student who attends preschool through sixth grade, please contact the school building where your child will attend to make an appointment for registration and a tour of the school.
Q: What is the web address for Brown County Schools?
A: Our website is www.browncountyschools.com. There is a lot of information on our website. The website is easy to navigate, but if you are having any issues, please contact Director of Technology David Phelps, who will be happy to assist you. His email address is [email protected].
Q: How do I apply for free/reduced-price lunch benefits and assistance with textbook rental?
A: Paper applications will be available in registration packets for families to complete at each school and you may print an application located under the “food services” tab on the Brown County Schools website.
Q: Where can I go to find a copy of the school breakfast and lunch menus?
A: The Brown County Schools website has all of the menus for breakfast and lunch posted under the “food services” tab.
Q: With the new school year ready to begin, what piece of advice would you give parents to help them get off to a successful start?
A: I have several suggestions for this question. First, try to establish a realistic schedule for your family. The summer is a wonderful time to have later bedtimes paired with sleeping in; however, school hours should be established at least a week before school starts. Try to stick with earlier bedtimes so that the transition to the school morning isn’t such a shock. Second, develop a partnership with your child’s teacher(s). We have an incredibly talented team of educators who care very deeply about the well-being of your child. When questions arise, contact your child’s teacher. They will be happy to work with you to find a resolution to your child’s needs. Third, talk positively to your child about their education and their school day. When our parents and caregivers communicate to their children that education is important, this translates positively in student achievement. Celebrate successes with your children and let them know that mistakes are simply opportunities for learning how to do better.
Q: I want to become more involved in my child’s school. How do I do this?
A: We have several opportunities for parents and caregivers to become more involved in school activities. Our elementary, intermediate and junior high schools all have a Parent Teacher Organization or a Parent Council. These are active groups of parents and educators who work together to provide incredible opportunities for boys and girls both during and outside of the school day. As well, there are opportunities to volunteer in your child’s school building. Please reach out to the building principal and let them know of your interest in PTO, PTO Council or volunteer activities. We will put you to work!
Q: How can I get my child involved in athletics programs or other extra-curricular activities?
A: Thor Davis is the athletic director at Brown County Intermediate School, Greg Pagnard is the athletic director at Brown County Junior High School and Mark Bruner is the athletic director at Brown County High School. They are happy to help with any questions you may have about athletics programming. Contact your school and ask to speak with one of these leaders of our student-athletes. In addition to athletics, we have incredible extracurricular opportunities available in music, theater and the arts. We have academic teams where students compete in statewide competitions. Brown County Schools identifies directors and/or coaches for these additional extra-curricular opportunities. Contact your child’s teacher, principals or school office to learn more about these incredibly engaging activities.
Q: My student is homeschooled, but I am interested in having him take a class or two at Brown County Schools. Is this possible?
A: Yes! We would love to talk to you more about the ways in which you can develop a hybrid schedule of courses where your child is enrolled in the courses for which you have an interest. We will absolutely respect your desire to homeschool in other areas while working together to open doors for opportunities that might not be possible in your programming.
Q: How can I find out about activities that are taking place across the school district?
A: The Brown County Schools website has a calendar tab that identifies the various activities that are taking place in our schools. We have several social media platforms that are linked on the Brown County Schools website where we enjoy celebrating success stories from our students and team members. The Brown County Democrat is also an excellent resource.
Q: What is the role of the Board of School Trustees and when do they meet?
A: School boards, elected by their communities, represent the community’s beliefs and values. The National School Boards Association writes, “The school board represents the public’s voice in public education, providing citizen governance for what the public schools need and what the community wants. Your school board is your community’s education watchdog, ensuring that taxpayers get the most for their tax dollars.” Our school board meets on the first and third Thursday of the month in the Goldberg Room at Brown County High School. We invite you to attend.
Q: My child doesn’t live in the Brown County Schools district. Can he/she attend one of the schools in the district?
A: Yes! Brown County Schools is an open transfer district; therefore, students are able to attend schools in our district if the grade level has not met an established capacity. If you are interested in attending Brown County Schools, please contact the building where your student would like to attend and we will start the enrollment process.
We are looking forward to another successful school year and appreciate the support from our community as we welcome the boys and girls back to school Aug. 8.
Laura Hammack is superintendent of Brown County schools. She can be reached at 812-988-6601 or [email protected].
