✅ REMINDER | There is no school for students this Friday, April 3. Friday is a Professional Development Flex Day for staff. Students are also off April 6-10 for Spring Break.

💙 CORE OF COMPASSION AWARD | JCPS was honored to receive the Dare to Care Food Bank Core of Compassion Award last week. This recognition reflects the power of partnership and a shared commitment to supporting students and families across our community.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood accepted the award on behalf of the district.
Thank you to Dare to Care for standing alongside JCPS as we work to remove barriers and create brighter futures for every learner!
Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood accepted the award on behalf of the district.
Thank you to Dare to Care for standing alongside JCPS as we work to remove barriers and create brighter futures for every learner!




Check out Bear Essentials #31!
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-25-31
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-25-31

THIS WEEKEND | The East Area Elementary Family Resource Center Coordinators are hosting a Community Baby Shower and Early Childhood Parent Resource Fair this Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Klondike Elementary.
Any expectant parents or parents of children ages 0-5 years are invited to attend this FREE event. The event will feature several parent sessions for new and expectant moms that will provide help with breastfeeding, birthing plans, advocating for yourself and your child, and taking care of your mental health during and after pregnancy.
There will also be over 25 vendors with information and resources, plus FREE Giveaways including: diapers, wipes, clothes, and toys. And...Amazing Door Prizes! RSVP online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScte68JL0A0MEVN6AXRWhqmRiaVDyrw2IJ6cIBz-SBBKFbSuw/viewform
Click here to view the flyer in multiple languages: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgQNx3d2fAfrQlaGaNfKcrjIl8HMm5gw/view
Any expectant parents or parents of children ages 0-5 years are invited to attend this FREE event. The event will feature several parent sessions for new and expectant moms that will provide help with breastfeeding, birthing plans, advocating for yourself and your child, and taking care of your mental health during and after pregnancy.
There will also be over 25 vendors with information and resources, plus FREE Giveaways including: diapers, wipes, clothes, and toys. And...Amazing Door Prizes! RSVP online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScte68JL0A0MEVN6AXRWhqmRiaVDyrw2IJ6cIBz-SBBKFbSuw/viewform
Click here to view the flyer in multiple languages: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NgQNx3d2fAfrQlaGaNfKcrjIl8HMm5gw/view

The best day of the school year is this Friday - it's SDL Showcase Day! Be sure to read Bear Essentials #30 so you don't miss anything!
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-18-30
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-18-30

Happy Wednesday! Bear Essentials #29 is here to keep you in the know! Have a great day.
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-11-29
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-11-29

✨ PEACE IN THE CHAOS | Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
JCPS families came together last week for an evening filled with food, games, and hands-on self-care resources designed to help everyone discover simple, meaningful ways to create inner peace. From laughter and connection to practical tools to take home, this event was all about caring for ourselves and each other.
Because when families feel supported, our whole community grows stronger.
JCPS families came together last week for an evening filled with food, games, and hands-on self-care resources designed to help everyone discover simple, meaningful ways to create inner peace. From laughter and connection to practical tools to take home, this event was all about caring for ourselves and each other.
Because when families feel supported, our whole community grows stronger.






☀️ SUMMER CAMP KICKOFF EVENT THIS WEEKEND | Looking for summer camps and enrichment opportunities for your child? Join us for the 21st Annual JCPS Family Resource & Youth Services Centers Summer Camp Kickoff this Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning (3903 Atkinson Square Dr.).
This FREE event connects JCPS families with a wide variety of summer camps and programs from across Jefferson County. Families can meet providers, ask questions, and enter drawings for summer camp scholarships.
All JCPS families are welcome!
This FREE event connects JCPS families with a wide variety of summer camps and programs from across Jefferson County. Families can meet providers, ask questions, and enter drawings for summer camp scholarships.
All JCPS families are welcome!


📚 LITERACY NIGHT AT THE CARDINALS GAME ❤️ | What a night celebrating literacy and cheering on the Cards!
Thank you to the University of Louisville for hosting Literacy Night at the KFC Yum! Center as the Cardinals took on Syracuse.
We’re so grateful for the incredible support shown to our JCPS students—and for every new and gently used book donated during the Book Drive. Your generosity is helping spark a love of reading across our district.
📸 Superintendent Dr. Yearwood was there to celebrate the power of reading alongside JCPS families! 📖✨
Thank you to the University of Louisville for hosting Literacy Night at the KFC Yum! Center as the Cardinals took on Syracuse.
We’re so grateful for the incredible support shown to our JCPS students—and for every new and gently used book donated during the Book Drive. Your generosity is helping spark a love of reading across our district.
📸 Superintendent Dr. Yearwood was there to celebrate the power of reading alongside JCPS families! 📖✨




📚 LITERACY NIGHT AT THE CARDINALS GAME ❤️ | What a night celebrating literacy and cheering on the Cards!
Thank you to the University of Louisville for hosting Literacy Night at the KFC Yum! Center as the Cardinals took on Syracuse.
We’re so grateful for the incredible support shown to our JCPS students—and for every new and gently used book donated during the Book Drive. Your generosity is helping spark a love of reading across our district.
📸 Superintendent Dr. Yearwood was there to celebrate the power of reading alongside JCPS families! 📖✨
Thank you to the University of Louisville for hosting Literacy Night at the KFC Yum! Center as the Cardinals took on Syracuse.
We’re so grateful for the incredible support shown to our JCPS students—and for every new and gently used book donated during the Book Drive. Your generosity is helping spark a love of reading across our district.
📸 Superintendent Dr. Yearwood was there to celebrate the power of reading alongside JCPS families! 📖✨




Happy Holi! Please check out Bear Essentials #28.
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-4-28
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/march-4-28

🌟 ICYMI | Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood delivered his first State of the District address last week, sharing a strategic vision for the future of Jefferson County Public Schools.
With a focus on long-term financial stability and a renewed commitment to academic growth for all, the plan supports more than 94,000 students across JCPS.
📸 Take a look at photos from the event!
🔗 Read more: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2735539
THANK YOU to Seneca High School Agri-Science & Leadership students for designing and producing floral arrangements for the event and Youth Performing Arts School - YPAS students for providing music!
With a focus on long-term financial stability and a renewed commitment to academic growth for all, the plan supports more than 94,000 students across JCPS.
📸 Take a look at photos from the event!
🔗 Read more: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2735539
THANK YOU to Seneca High School Agri-Science & Leadership students for designing and producing floral arrangements for the event and Youth Performing Arts School - YPAS students for providing music!








Happy Black History Month! We have a lot happening through the end of March. Be sure to read Bear Essentials #27. Have a great day!
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/february-25-27
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/february-25-27

STAY CONNECTED | It’s Public Schools Week, and there’s so much to celebrate in JCPS! 🎉📚
From student achievements and classroom innovations to districtwide updates and important announcements, you can stay connected to all the great things happening across Jefferson County Public Schools on the JCPS News page.
We’re committed to keeping our families, staff, and community informed with the most up-to-date information.
🔗 Visit jcps.me/news to explore the latest stories and see how our students and educators are making a difference every day.
From student achievements and classroom innovations to districtwide updates and important announcements, you can stay connected to all the great things happening across Jefferson County Public Schools on the JCPS News page.
We’re committed to keeping our families, staff, and community informed with the most up-to-date information.
🔗 Visit jcps.me/news to explore the latest stories and see how our students and educators are making a difference every day.

CELEBRATE | From Feb. 23 to 27, 2026, we’re proud to join schools, districts, educators, families, and public education advocates nationwide in celebrating Public Schools Week 2026 (#PSW26).
Public schools serve each and every student, in each and every community. That shared commitment is at the heart of Public Schools Week 2026. Join us in celebrating the people, partnerships, and practices that make our public schools strong!
Public schools serve each and every student, in each and every community. That shared commitment is at the heart of Public Schools Week 2026. Join us in celebrating the people, partnerships, and practices that make our public schools strong!

🚀 NEXT LEVEL | The JCPS Technology division teamed up with Google for Education and Forward Edge to host Google-Palooza earlier this week—welcoming 500+ teachers and staff to level up their skills in Google Workspace and dive into the future of AI with Gemini!
And that’s not all… 🎉 JCPS has officially completed its districtwide migration from Microsoft Outlook to Gmail, powering stronger collaboration, innovation, and connection across our schools! Huge thanks to everyone involved for helping keep JCPS on the cutting edge.
And that’s not all… 🎉 JCPS has officially completed its districtwide migration from Microsoft Outlook to Gmail, powering stronger collaboration, innovation, and connection across our schools! Huge thanks to everyone involved for helping keep JCPS on the cutting edge.


Join us tonight when we dedicate our gymnasium in honor of Wade Houston!

🌟 FUTURE FOCUSED | The Black Expo Career & College Fair at J. Graham Brown School brought learning to life!
Students connected with professionals across diverse industries, explored dynamic businesses, and discovered opportunities with inspiring HBCUs—all while tying real-world possibilities to their Individual Learning Plans. 🚀
Check it out: https://youtu.be/dB_bOVF1vjA

Bear Essentials #26 is here with info on student-led conference day and more!
https://sites.google.com/jefferson.kyschools.us/2025-26brownbe/february-11-26
Read all about our amazing Nationally Board Certified Teacher Tamika Carr!
https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2681959
https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2681959

