Downey School Core Values
Welcome to the Downey Elementary School! Our school is an inclusive K-5 building that provides an excellent education to all students. At Downey School we believe that learning is a partnership between the child, parent/guardian, and Downey School professionals. As a staff, we believe that open and honest communication with parents/guardians is important, and we value the input from parents/guardians. To ensure that Downey School is a safe environment for all students and staff to take academic/professional risks, we live by the 6 Downey School Core Values:
Courage, Pride, Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Inclusion
March 4, 2019
Dear Downey Community,
Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at Downey Report Card
The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.
You will notice on our report card that we are a School of Recognition. Only 52 schools (out of 1800+schools) in Massachusetts received this designation. Downey School received this designation for High Achievement, High Growth, and Exceeding Targets. While the recognition from the state is great, the real reward is seeing our students thrive and succeed, not just academically, but physically, socially, and emotionally as well. We are a district that is focused on continued growth and improvement and our district goals reflect our priorities. I encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. I see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and I am grateful for your continued support.
If you have questions about our school’s report card or any of the data, please feel free to contact me. To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit http://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/.
Sincerely,
Deb Gallagher
PTO Updates & Information: January 2019
Minutes from the September 11, 2018 PTO Meeting
Minutes from the October 2, 2018 PTO meeting
Minutes from the November 6, 2018 PTO meeting
2nd Annual Bowling for Boys
Saturday, February 9th
- Saturday February 9, 2019 from 5-7 pm @ at the Norwood Sport Center (65 Cottage St. Norwood).
- Come bowl, eat pizza and enjoy a wonderful evening with your Knights.
- RSVP in advance and reserve your spot. No payments at the door. Last day to register is January 26, 2019.
- All boys must attend the Downey school.
- $20 for each Family - includes The Queen and her “Downey Knights”. You can pay by Cash, Check (payable to Downey PTO) or Paypal. (Please indicate the payment is for bowling.)
To Register For Bowling:
Please Use The PayPal Link to pay:
We are going Green. We are asking all bowlers to bring their own reusable water bottle to the event.
For any questions please contact your Bowling Hostesses “Livin On A Spare”:
Meredith Techiera, Evan Mansour, Sandra Castaldini, Beth Murphy, Jen Killilea and Cynthia Knox
Box Tops for Education
Deadline for next contest: February 15th
As you're shopping for school lunches and snacks, please don't forget to send in the Box Tops for Education to Downey. There will be boxes in each classroom for students to drop off the box tops, and another in the main office. Make sure to label bags/envelopes with your child's grade level. Names and teachers are not necessary. Happy Clipping!
Third Annual Downey Gala: Rock of ages — The Best of Downey
Saturday, March 23rd, 2019
Downey will host its 3rd Annual Gala on Saturday, March 23rd at the Dedham Hilton. The Downey Gala is our largest fundraiser, bringing funds to our school that support additional programs and needs for our children. This year, the Downey PTO purchased high-end playground equipment that was recently installed. Also, due to the generosity of our Downey families, teachers and staff, the Outdoor Classroom project is in progress.
More information to come! Early sponsorship is available now. Contact Co-Chairs Anne McMurray: annemariemcmurray@gmail.com or Nayla Daly: nayladaly@gmail.com. The Gala Committee is seeking silent auction items including vacation experiences, unique dining experiences, sports memorabilia, etc. Thanks in advance for your support!
The Downey Play is Back!
Performances March 29th & March 30th
- Performance dates are Friday, March 29th at 7:00pm, and Saturday, March 30th at 2:00pm
Save the Date: King and Princess Dance
Saturday, April 27th
Dads, Uncles, Grandfather's-get your dancing shoes ready and enjoy an evening with your girl(s)!
Music, dancing, refreshments and a photo booth will make the night complete.
Contact Anne McMurray at:
annemariemcmurray@gmail.com with any questions, or if you are interested in volunteering for this event.
Shop with Amazon Smile
Shop with Amazon and help support Downey! Please consider using our Amazon Smile link to make your Amazon purchases. The Amazon Smile Foundation will contribute 0.5% of eligible purchases back to the Downey School. It's an easy way to support our school and our students!
Downey Gift Book Program
The Gift Book Program continues and is an exciting way for your child to make a contribution to the school library!
For all purchases made through this link, your child's name will be placed on a label on the inside cover of the book and they will be the first to read the book; all before the book is placed on the shelf in the Downey School library to then be shared by all students.
