Today, General Brown Central School District joined other school districts in Jefferson County and the Sandy Creek Central School District, in making the difficult decision to postpone our participation in Fall 2020 interscholastic athletic competitions.
This decision was made after reviewing the parameters set forth by New York State for the allowance of lower risk school sponsored sports beginning September 21, as well as meetings with officials from Section III and the Frontier League. We have also consulted with local public health officials, physicians, school medical directors, students, parents, and the community at large before making this decision.
While we understand this decision may be heartbreaking for many students and their families, the substantial risks associated with holding such events and the possibility that they may lead to COVID-19 outbreaks or exposure is too great to ignore. Thanks to the hard work of our staff, students, families, and community, we have been able to start the 2020-21 school year with in-person learning. We do not want that to be jeopardized. Please know that the health and safety of all of you is and shall remain our top priority.
Be well and stay safe.
Wi-Fi is available in the student parking lot of the General Brown Jr/Sr High School. Students and staff can join the GBLIONS_GUEST Wi-Fi with their network username and password.
All students in the General Brown Central School District will now receive free meals whether attending in-person or remote classes.
While in school, students will receive the basic meal at no cost and can purchase additional (a la carte) items.
For meals to cover the remote learning days, pickup for the entire week’s meals will take place on Wednesdays between 10 and 11 a.m.
Read the details about these Food Services changes.
Welcome Back 2020, What to expect - Video for Jr/Sr High School Students
Taxpayers can go online and print a copy of their 2020 tax bill. Taxpayers will also be able to check their payment status, which is updated within 24-48 hours of when the payment was made.
The General Brown leadership team has been working on the school reopening process for the fall of 2020 based on all available guidance from state and public health agencies.
Read the most up-to-date information on the district's reopening plans here.
General Supply List for Jr High School Students
If your family is in need of healthy, free meals during the summer months, there are several options across the region.
The Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County and the Watertown City School District sponsor a Summer Food Service Program that runs from June 26 through Aug. 18. Through this program, children have access to free, nutritious meals at 34 sites in Jefferson County. Meals meet federal nutrition guidelines and are provided to all children 18 years old and under (up to age 21 for those with a disability).
On June 3, 2020, General Brown Central School District Superintendent Barbara J. Case sent a letter to staff and families within the district about racism and equity.
Senior portraits taken over the summer are due Friday, September 11 and the FREE senior portrait day is Friday, September 25.
The U.S. Census Bureau began conducting the 2020 Census in January, administering a population count of everyone in the United States to determine federal funding distribution levels, political boundaries and more.
Participation in the 2020 Census—which only takes a matter of minutes—could have an impact on the programs and services that the General Brown School District offers its students and the community.
Read more to find out how census participation helps schools and the community.
Charter Communications is offering 60 days of free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access to households with teachers and/or K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription, according to Charter’s website. In addition to offering in-home access, Spectrum has made its indoor and outdoor public hotspots open for public usage. Its full COVID-19 policy, which includes details regarding waiving of certain fees and shut offs for current customers experiencing hardships, is available on its website. A searchable link to a map of all of Spectrum’s public hotspots is also available on its website.
The General Brown Central School District is now asking residents who have a child eligible for kindergarten to pre-register them for the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible children must be five on or before December 1, 2020.
General Brown residents can call Donna Keefer at 315-779-2300, Option 9, Option 3, to pre-register for kindergarten.
Further information regarding registration packets and screenings will be sent out in the spring.
The General Brown Central School District will once again offer General Brown residents and their children the opportunity to attend Universal Pre-Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year.
If you have a child who is four years old or will be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2020, that child is eligible for Universal Pre-Kindergarten.
General Brown residents can call Donna Keefer at 315-779-2300, option #9, option #3, to be placed on the list for Pre-Kindergarten.
Further information regarding registration packets and screenings will be sent out in the spring.
All three buildings had their water tested in October 2017 and cleared with all locations testing below 15 parts per billion. New sinks and faucets were installed in the summer of 2018; they were tested in October 2018. Click Here to view all of the results.
Recent events in the news have highlighted water conditions in several locations across this country, including areas in our region. During the recent New York state legislation session, a bill was passed specifically pertaining to water testing in school districts. Water testing has been completed in all three buildings, and the results have been posted to our website for each building. More information is available here.
