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
September 14, 2018
Dear Downey Community,
We have completed our first full week! The students and staff have settled in nicely, classroom routines are being taught by teachers and practiced by students, and the children are focused and engaged in their learning. It has been a smooth opening! Thank you to the entire Downey community for making this happen.
Below is important school information, please take a minute to read through it.
Dismissal Update-Thank you for being patient as we work through some of the dismissal challenges we have been faced with. Despite the challenges, we have been able to dismiss all of our students in under 15 minutes in a safe manner! This wouldn’t be possible without the help from the Downey staff.
I have received some feedback about the walkers being dismissed through the gym doors. Having walkers leave from one place has made accountability of the children during a very busy time of day, much easier. I have also heard that parking is challenging. Unfortunately, so many children are being picked up at the end of the school day, and parking is limited, although frustrating for parents, this is a familiar issue. If you are picking your child up after school and choose to park on Downey Street, please be sure to park in one spot. It has been reported that parents are taking up one and a half spots, which limits the amount of parking spaces. I have also gotten feedback from parents that it is an inconvenience to have to meet their child by the tennis courts when they have parked their vehicle by the soccer field. I would suggest waiting for your child on the sidewalk near the front circle exit. We have a crossing guard at that end and plenty of staff to supervise students as they walk down the sidewalk of Downey Street, there is no need for all parents to be waiting by the tennis courts. .
Site Council-Two volunteers are needed to sit on the Downey School Site Council. Below is information about what the Site Council is and when the meetings will be held. If you are interested in being a part of this Council, please email me directly at dgallagher@westwood.k12.ma.us no later than September 28th.
Site Council Meeting Dates-October 3, November 14, January 16, March 20
Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
What is the School Site Council?
The School Site Council The School Site Council was first formed in 1993 in accordance with M.G.L. ch.71 §59C. It is a representative, school-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members.
The law outlines four major areas of responsibility for councils. School councils assist principals in:
1. Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards.
2. Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school.
3. Reviewing the annual school building budget.
4. Formulating a school improvement plan.
Save the Dates:
September 14th-PTO sponsored Family Picnic 5:30-7:00 p.m.
September 19th-Yom Kippur. No School
September 27th-Curriculum Night! All parents are strongly encouraged to attend this event. It’s an opportunity to meet the teacher, visit your child’s classroom, and hear about curriculum!
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6:00-6:45 p.m. Grades 3-5 classroom visits
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6:55-7:25 p.m. K-5 in the cafe with Principal Deb Gallagher
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7:30-8:15 p.m. Grades K-2 classroom visits.
Have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing your children on Monday morning!
Sincerely,
Deb Gallagher
PTO Updates & Information: September 2018
PTO Dues & Downey Directory
There's still time to do your part and pay your dues! Please help us support our children's education. Checks for $45 made payable to the "Downey PTO" can be sent to school in your child's backpack, or paid online through our PayPal link. All families that pay dues will receive the 2018-2019 Downey Directory.
Outdoor Classroom “Build” Event
Saturday, October 6th
Be a part of the new Outdoor Learning Center. Due to the success of two PTO fundraisers, a new outdoor learning center is being built. Do you like to garden? Are you a scientist? Like to build? Or, generally want to give back to the school? We need your help! Please contact Sudha Sarma at sudhaksarma@gmail.com if you are interested in joining this committee. No experience necessary.
Halloween/Fall Festival
Save the Date: Friday, October 26th
The Halloween/Fall Festival will be held at Downey on Friday, October 26th. Additional details coming soon!
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in becoming involved with the PTO or helping out at events, please contact us at DowneyPTO@gmail.com. There are many opportunities to join a PTO committee and/or volunteer at one of the PTO events to ensure a successful event. Some of the upcoming Fall events that are in need of volunteers include:
Please email the PTO at downeypto@gmail.com if you would like to join a committee. We welcome all volunteers.
Third Annual Downey Gala
Downey will host it's 3rd Annual Gala in early Spring. 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 will be installed this year. 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!
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. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Donna Cantarella, Downey Librarian (dcantarella@westwood.k12.ma.us)
Box Tops
As you're doing your back to school shopping for 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. There will be a grade level prize awarded for the grade who submits the most box tops by Friday, October 26th. Happy clipping!
