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Message from
Welcome one and all to Dr. Brown Elementary School!
Please allow me to take this opportunity to share the abbreviated version of the history of our school’s namesake: Dr. Gustavus Brown, Jr. The late Dr. Gustavus Brown was a Scottish physician who was (most notably) known to have been the last attending physician to attempt to save the life of his good friend, President George Washington. 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 honor of Dr. Brown. Proudly, we have been open ever since. To visit our school however, you would never know it is over 36 years old. A special thank you goes to all the dedicated CCPS employees that have maintained the building’s upkeep over the years.
Our school colors are blue and gold, Gus the Bulldog is our school mascot, and “Bulldog Bravos” are a common term/token of encouragement and appreciation. This year’s dress code will consist of Bravo-Wear, to be worn on a daily basis. All students are encouraged to participate, as this will assist us in providing more focused instruction with fewer distractions. Special incentives will be offered to consistent participants as well. Click here for specifics. On select days, (every other Friday) our staff celebrates school spirit by wearing our school T-shirts and we encourage your children to join in. Spirit wear is always available for purchase through our PTO. Inquire in the office for details.
Our student population equates approximately 430 students who are truly representative of our richly diverse community. At Dr. Brown, we offer a rigorous and challenging instructional program, per our charge as committed educators as well as your expectations as concerned parents. In addition to our academically-based instruction, our students are provided with ample opportunities to participate in various 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 for our students in the following areas: Art, Physical Education, Music, Band/Orchestra (5th graders), Library/Media, Computer Lab and Science (inside and outside lab, on the Wetlands site).
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 Speech Therapist, a Psychologist, a School Counselor and a Tri-County for Youth Counselor. Additionally, Special Education services are provided for specific students, as appropriate. Primary and/or intermediate Special Education Teachers (4) along with three Special Education Instructional Assistants implement this service accordingly and we utilize a modified inclusion model, as much as appropriate.
Our school also has a School-wide Improvement Plan, developed by our School Improvement Team. Our plan is guided by the school system’s overall mission and master “Five-Year” Plan, and is reviewed annually at the Central Office level. It is available for parent-review upon request in our front office.
Dr. Brown Elementary School is fortunate to have the support of an active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and strong core of parent volunteers and others are always welcome. We encourage you all to become involved in the 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. You may call them directly at 301-632-6804 for more information.
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/your children will have.
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Message from
I am extremely proud to be the Vice Principal of Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School. Our staff, parents and community work collaboratively to meet the needs of all our children and I look forward to working as part of this team.
Dr. Brown is a PBIS Exemplar School again this year and I believe this reflects our overall philosophy and the efforts of all of our staff members and students. We believe in looking for positive ways to encourage our children to be the best students that they can be. Our students are taught our procedures, expectations and rules and then are recognized when they “get it right.” You can be a part of this positive team by asking your child how his or her day went, how many Bulldog Bravos they have earned and whether or not the Respect Flag is flying. Your interest will signal that you think good behavior and excellent work habits are important too. Last year our students earned over 75,000 Bulldog Bravos and I challenge them to top that number this year. I believe they will!
Please consider getting involved at Dr. Brown. Communicate with your child’s teachers letting them know your concerns as well as what you think is going well. Check your child’s backpack and agenda book each evening and look for the Tuesday Folder each week. Join the PTO and become a volunteer; we can certainly use your help, your children will love it and you will be setting a fabulous example.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you throughout the year. I appreciate your interest in and support of Dr. Brown Elementary. Together there isn’t anything we can’t do.
With regards,
Deborah M. Brown,
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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 Visitors' 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 our cafeteria, The Bulldog Cafe, 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.
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