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
November 14, 2021
Dear Downey Community,
We are just about a week and a half away from Thanksgiving, how fast the days are going by! It has been a busy fall for sure, with the PTO sponsored Halloween Party, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Student Status Reports, and PTO fundraisers. Although the school year may feel more like the pre COVID-19 days, we are still faced with two challenges: keeping students safe from the spread of the virus and supporting students to learn how to co-exist with their peers in school, on the bus, and at extended day. Both of these have proven to be quite challenging, but the Downey School Staff is committed to partnering with you to support your child during this transition back to being in school full time.
During the last couple of months Dr. DiNatale and I have met with all grades to talk about how to “play” with one another during recess. As you know, our school day last year was shortened, therefore we didn't have recess before lunch. The last time students had outdoor recess was early March 2020! Classroom teachers are also re teaching students how to share classroom materials, wait their turn to answer or ask a question, be a good classmate, and to be responsible for their own actions. I have observed teachers working hard to create emotionally safe classrooms, a place where all students feel welcome and are a valuable member. We have a lot of work to do this year, but we are up for the task, and we thank you for your support so that we can do this work.
Below you will find important updates, please take some time to read through them. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your child’s teacher.
Sincerely,
Deb Gallagher
____________________________________________________________________________
Grade 1 Veteran’s Flag Garden and Gift Card Drive:
Closing out Veterans Day by sharing a link to our Downey Virtual flag garden. Grade 1 planted the real garden on Wednesday to honor all those who have served and are currently serving. Freedom is not free and we thank all of the men and women in our Armed Forces.
Thanks for your help everyone. Gift card donations accepted and encouraged through next Friday, November 15th.
https://www.thinglink.com/scene/1382561094282772483
SEPAC Upcoming Meeting:
Tuesday December 7th 9:30 a.m. - 11:30am
Perks Coffee Shop
685 Washington Street, Norwood, MA
December SEPAC Coffee Meet Greet.pdf
Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences:
Wednesday, November 17th
Note: Specialists will be available to meet with parents. Below is their schedule for 11/17/21. Please email them directly to set up a time to meet if you would like to.
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Mrs. Friberg-Art
csantosfriberg@westwood.k12.ma.us
Mr. Tirrell-Math Specialist
mtirrell@westwood.k12.ma.us
Mr. Hochman-PE
phochman@westwood.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Nute-PE
pnute@westwood.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Thynne-Library Media Specialist
cthynne@westwood.k12.ma.us
Mrs. Goldman-Music
cgoldman@westwood.k12.ma.us
Support the Westwood Food Pantry and our Downey Students:
Dear Downey Families,
Last year, we made 50 bottles of the highest quality vanilla extract and sold it to friends and neighbors in Westwood. We raised over $1000 from the vanilla, every penny we donated to the Westwood Food Pantry. This year, we decided to make our Volcanic Vanilla one last time. Instead of making 50 bottles we made 100 bottles! Each bottle is $20 and all of the money will be donated to the Westwood Food Pantry.
If you would like to purchase vanilla, please email the following information to volcanicvanilla@gmail.com:
1. Your Name
2. Westwood delivery address
3. How many bottles of extract you want
We will confirm your order and give you the details to pay by Venmo or cash (your choice).
Please order by November 30th. We will deliver your Volcanic Vanilla to your homes in early December!
Please see our attached brochure for further details. Happy Holidays!
Thanks,
Jocelyn (Current DOWNEY 5th Grader) and Devin (TMS 7th Grader) Knox
Lost and Found:
All lost articles will be on a table in the front of Downey School this week. Any items left behind will be donated on Monday, November 22nd. Please remember to label your child’s clothes and water bottles.
Recess Toys Donation:
Thank you for your generous donations of new recess toys for indoor recess as well as for the outdoor equipment! If you would like to make a donation we are still accepting them.
