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Message from Mr. Marvin Jones, Principal
Welcome! Let me take this opportunity to introduce you to Dr. Brown Elementary School. Our school is named after the late Dr. Gustavus Brown [Jr.], a Scottish physician who was known to have been the last attending physician to attempt to save President George Washington’s life. Unfortunately, Dr. Brown arrived to the aid of his friend too late to help. In 1974, Charles County built our school and named it in the honor of Dr. Brown. Proudly we have been open ever since, but to visit our school, you would never know it to be over 30 years old. A special thank you goes to all the dedicated CCPS employees that have maintained the building’s upkeep over the years.
Dr. Brown Elementary School's colors are blue and gold, and the "Bulldog" is our school mascot. We celebrate our school spirit by wearing our school T-shirts every other Friday.
Our student population is approximately 500 students. Our classrooms consist of 1 Pre-K class, 4 all day Kindergarten classes, 4 First Grades, 4 Second Grades, 3 Third Grades, 4 Fourth Grades, and 3 Fifth Grades. Average class sizes vary throughout the grade levels, but range from 18 to 24 students, per class (grades 1 through 5).
At Dr. Brown, we offer a rigorous and challenging instructional program, per our charge as educators. Additionally, our students are provided opportunities to participate in other cultural, technological and physical types of education and activities. We believe in teaching the ‘whole child’, which includes a concerted effort in exposing our students to valuable learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. Such learning and exposure occurs separately for our students in the following areas: Art, Physical Education, Music, Band/Strings (5th graders), Library/Media, Computer Lab and Science Lab (3rd-5th graders).
We also have additional human resources on our staff to help support the [quality] instruction and guidance that our students receive. Those staff members consist of an Instructional Specialist, a Reading Resource Teacher, a Gifted Education Teacher, 2 Reading Recovery Teachers, a Power Reading Teacher, a Speech Therapist and a Guidance Counselor.
Special education is provided for students with special needs. Primary and/or intermediate special education teachers along with two special education instructional assistants implement this service. We utilize a modified inclusion model. The Vice Principal, Mrs. Brown facilitates all special education proceedings at our school.
Dr. Brown Elementary School is fortunate to have the support of an active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and strong core of parent volunteers, but others are always welcome. We encourage you all to become involved in the outside extension of your child’s educational program, via the PTO and the efforts it supports and sponsors. Commitments made in this area are of great benefit to our students and our community at-large.
To those whom it applies, a before and after school daycare program is offered at our school, through the Alpha Best Company. The program opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. daily. Call them direct at 301-632-6804 for more information.
We have a School Improvement Plan that is developed yearly by our School Improvement Team. Our plan is rooted in the Five-Year Plan for the Charles County school system. The plan is reviewed annually and available for parent review upon request in our front office.
Thank you in advance for supporting Dr. Brown Elementary School in our efforts this year. It is our hope that working together with you and your children, that we will make this their best school year yet. Feel free to contact us throughout the year as questions and/or concerns arise. We look forward to the many successes that our students [and your children] will have.
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Message from Mrs. Deborah Brown, Vice-Principal
I am proud to be part of the Dr. Brown family again this year. Our school is an amazing place where teachers, staff, students, and parents work together to create an environment in which all students learn. We know that in order to reach this goal, children must first feel valued and safe and our four rules of respect help each of them to feel just that. We set high standards for our students’ behavior and work and they usually live up to these expectations. We also believe in celebrating their successes and we hope that everyone will join us in the celebration. These elementary years are so important to our children. The lessons they learn here at Dr. Brown will be the foundation upon which they build a satisfying and successful school career and life. Our staff takes our responsibilities very seriously and we promise that we will care for and teach your children as if they were our own.
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School Philosophy
We, the students, parents, and staff of Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School believe that the following statements reflect our views of what the school should provide for each child and the community. Our main objective is to provide a framework in which every child can develop to his or her fullest potential. To achieve this goal, we believe that:
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Who was Dr. Gustavus Brown?
There were two Dr. Gustavus Richard Browns - father and son. The elder Dr. Brown was born in Scotland, and came to Maryland in 1708. He worked as a physician in the Nanjemoy area of Charles County. He was also a judge.
His son, the more famous Dr. Brown, after whom the school was named, was born in Charles County on October 17, 1747. He, too, was a physician, who practiced across southern Maryland and Virginia. Like his father, he too was a judge. Dr. Brown was called to the bedside of President George Washington during his last illness.
Dr. Gustavus Richard Brown, Jr. was known to be a skillful gardener. He is also described as a scholar, a wise philosopher, a patriotic citizen, a generous friend, an elegant gentleman, and a hospitable neighbor.
It is recounted that he apologized for his mistakes, and was a calming influence on others.
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Parent Visitation & Classroom Observations
Parents are encouraged to come to their child’s school during normal operating hours. All visitors are asked to sign in at the main office and obtain a visitor’s badge to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
Parents may either visit the classroom at the teacher’s/school’s invitation or request to make a formal observation of a classroom. Making an appointment with the school at least two (2) days in advance of an observation is not only a courtesy and a requirement, but enables you to schedule the observation for the maximum benefit. Teachers cannot stop teaching to confer with parents who stop by without an appointment. Parents may schedule up to two (2) classroom observations of forty-five (45) minutes in duration each grading period. Staff will accompany visitors to the classroom. Siblings should not attend. Teachers will be happy to discuss the observation at a mutually convenient time. Parents are welcome to visit the cafeteria and eat lunch with their child.
Principals retain the authority to deny access to the school for any individual who has or may disrupt or disturb the learning environment or who lacks a valid or legal purpose for entering the school. Our shared commitment and cooperation is essential for the safety of our students and staff.
Where in the world is Dr. Brown Elementary School?
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