National Blue Ribbon Schools Program

Brown Elementary is located in Byron Center, Michigan, with an enrollment of 530 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Brown Elementary is comprised of teachers and children who are motivated, positive, and eager to learn together! Our goal is to have all of our students reach grade level goals through a balance of inspiring relationships and relevant rigor! Brown teachers are very skilled and genuinely committed to students, collaborating with all in using the best teaching practices that meet the needs of their learners. Brown has been recognized by the Michigan Department of Education as a Reward School in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as well as being acknowledged as a Reading Now Network (RNN) School in 2015. The RNN study of Brown revealed five themes: a focus on reading; students and teachers knew where they were and where they were going; clear academic goals as well as the steps on how to get there; continuous follow-through; and strong classroom management. Our theme is to “Dream Big”, as the children are encouraged to set goals for the year and their careers. To help support these dreams, other important initiatives include a parent group (PUPS), a WatchDOGS program in which “dads of great students” work daily in the building, a Kid’s Hope USA mentoring program, and a Running Club. Each of these groups is vital to the Team effort. In addition, the children are motivated to show character by never giving up, encouraging each other, and doing their best so that all can be successful!