Downey School

Important Dates

12/10 Early Release

12/10 6:30 p.m. School Committee Meeting-WHS Theater

12/11 6:30 p.m. Grade 5 Band Concert district wide at WHS

12/23 Early Release

12/24-1/5/26 Winter Break. Happy Holidays! 

Downey News

Schools of Recognition

As part of its annual accountability reporting process, DESE identifies a small number of Schools of Recognition. These schools demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in ELA and math. On January 20th, Principal Gallagher and Superintendent Piwowar will attend the  Schools of Recognition Celebration at the Grand Staircase of the State House in Boston. Congratulations to the Downey Staff and Students! 

Inclusive Schools Week-”Children First Building a Stronger Tomorrow”

December 8-12

To celebrate Inclusive Schools Week we will focus on a theme each day. 

Monday-  Children First, Everyone Belongs in Westwood

Wear school colors or your favorite Westwood great to show your commitment to inclusion. Classrooms find time to share stories from times when they felt included or welcome. 

Tuesday- Different Brains, Great Ideas

Wear mismatched clothes or socks to celebrate differences and embrace the unique strengths each person brings.
 

Wednesday- Teamwork Day 

Wear a favorite team jersey of shirt to highlight the importance of teamwork and being  a supportive community members 

Thursday- Empathy and Understanding Day 

Participate in “Walk in My Shoes” by wearing mismatched shoes to acknowledge the different challenges people face and the importance of empathy 

Friday “Champions of Inclusion” Action DayWear your favorite superhero costume or superhero t-shirt to show that we can all be champions of inclusion through our words, actions and advocacy. 

Fall Math Newsletter-Click HERE

PreK-Elementary Handbook Highlight

School Attendance 

School attendance is required by law beginning in Grade 1. Coming to school every day is one of the most important ways students can build strong learning habits and feel connected to their school community. When students are at school regularly, they have more chances to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. They get to participate in classroom activities, work with friends, and build relationships with their teachers. Missing too many days of school, even if the absences are excused, can make it harder to keep up with lessons and feel part of the group. Families are expected to arrange vacations during weeks scheduled on the school calendar, as doing so eliminates disruptions in the learning process. Teachers will not provide work for students to complete during family vacations that are scheduled while school is in session.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), a student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school year — that’s 18 days. Chronic absenteeism can have a lasting impact on a student’s success in school. The school will notify the parent or guardian of any student who is experiencing frequent absences to develop a plan to support regular school attendance. 

In an effort to have all children arrive safely to school, parents are encouraged to contact the school as early as possible to report the absence of a child and state the reason. If a student is absent and a parent has not reported the absence, the school secretary or nurse will call the child’s home to check on the child.

Dismissal for Appointments 

Dismissing students from school can disrupt the classroom and your child’s learning, please reserve dismissals for important appointments and emergencies. No child will be dismissed to the custody of anyone other than a parent unless prior arrangements have been made and verified. Tardiness If you know that your child will be late, please notify the school. When your child arrives at school, they should enter through the front door and immediately check in at the office. It is important that your child arrive at school on time. Please make every effort to get your child to school on time so they can start their day with the rest of the class.