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Welcome to James M. Brown Elementary School

 

School Colors - Purple and Teal

School Mascot - GEMS

Student Pledge

I promise to be a respectful, responsible, honest citizen and do my best at all times.

We believe that…

  • Education is a lifelong process.
  • Education will provide opportunities for students to learn to communicate effectively, solve problems, think critically and display their creativity.
  • Students will utilize resources that will prepare them for our evolving technological society.
  • All students will learn and achieve academic success within a secure environment.
  • Students are the center of the education process and will accept the responsibility to be actively engaged in the learning process. 
  • Parents and guardians will accept the responsibility to actively support the learning process. 
  • The educational process will be valued and supported by the local community. 
  • All individuals will be treated with dignity and respect.

School Namesake

Mr. James M. Brown, Superintendent of Education for the School District of Oconee County from 1988 to 1994, was noted for his teaching, counseling, and administrative skills. To pay tribute to his wonderful legacy as well as his many invaluable contributions, the School District of Oconee County selected the name, James M. Brown Elementary School, for a new school that opened in August 1997 and housed pre-kindergarten through grade five. In all of his endeavors, he was admired for his integrity, dignity, wisdom, kindness, and compassion. He was held in high regard for his commitment to tasks, his acceptance of responsibility, and his respect for others. His family, colleagues, and friends remember him as a giant of honorable stature.

Student Involvement

James M. Brown Elementary also focuses on growing the whole child through other non-academic ventures. Each month students are introduced to core values and character traits by guidance counselors and teachers. Social-emotional strategies are developed through activities that cultivate positive relationships and promote understanding and respect between children. Educators utilize Sanford Harmony curriculum and Olweus Bullying Prevention Program with all students to assist with the social-emotional learning. We also have a house system for all students and adults that helps to foster a sense of community throughout the entire school. Students are randomly placed in one of our five houses (Service, Manners, Achievement, Rigor, Teamwork). Students enjoy celebrating their positive behaviors and accomplishments, interacting with their house members from other grade levels, and creating a growth mindset on the first Friday of each month at our Friday Rally or House Meeting. Our students are also able to participate in Beta Club, Future Chef, Jet Toy, chorus, STEM, gardening, and safety patrol. Our students continue to excel in the arts and physical education which also provides them with a strong foundation as they better their own talents and abilities.

Family and Stakeholder Involvement

Our parents, guardians, and community partners play a major role in the success of our school. Our family events are well attended throughout the year, along with other events for parents like parent conference days, Trunk or Treat, Rock Your School days, and our grandparents and parents/guardians eating lunch with their children. Our community also supports our school in many ways and attends our annual free community event called Kids Fest. Our School Improvement Council (also known as Parent Chat) continues to play an important role within our school, as its members help us to grow and reach our maximum potential. JMB partners with ClemsonHope, a Clemson University student organization that provides mentor relationships, pen pal writing opportunities, and a Christmas gift for all students. JMB also partners with Clemson Extension and Friends of Lake Keowee Society for support with our school garden and STEM curriculum. The relationships built through this program will provide lasting memories and serve as sources of inspiration for our students. Students in need of more personal mentoring work with a volunteer from Mentor Upstate or Walhalla Police Department. Through the support of parents, guardians, and community members, we are able to provide more wraparound support for students.