I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support to our district and our students. This month we have hosted many exciting events and each one would have been impossible without the support of our staff, families and the community.

The classic football game between Downey H.S. and Warren H.S. was an epic event we will all remember as our Downey Unified School District made history as the first high schools to play at SoFi Stadium. Over 18,000 supporters came out to cheer on our student athletes from Downey H.S. and Warren H.S. at SoFi Stadium. Students, staff, families, alumni, and community supporters came out to support our players as well as our cheer, band, color guard, dance and JROTC students. It is an understatement to use the words “proud of DUSD” to describe the tremendous community support shown that evening.

Earlier this month, we held the annual State of the Schools breakfast. Over 350 guests attended to receive updates and a roadmap of the direction of our district. This is a special event as families, local businesses and community members attend this informative morning centered around the many “happenings” at our schools and inside our classrooms. What makes this event even more special, is all proceeds go directly to benefit our TLC Family Resource Center. This year, our guests received a first-hand glimpse from our youngest biliterate learners enrolled in our Spanish pathway at our Global Language Academies of Downey, GLAD. Over 60 students from Carpenter Elementary School filled the room and led guests through a dual language activity. I must say that from the faces around the room, everyone enjoyed themselves as they competed in a friendly game of “Loteria”. Thank you to all those who attended and continue to support Downey Unified. We look forward to our 10th annual event next October 2024.

We are honored to congratulate Downey Unified’s own, Kirsten Neill, who was selected as the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Ms. Neill gave a heartwarming speech during the State of the Schools which demonstrated why she is such a special teacher. Furthermore, she was recently selected as a Top 10 2024 California Teacher of the Year Finalist. Her commitment in and out of the classroom provides encouragement and enrichment that motivates our students to grow and reach for their dreams. Downey Unified is proud to have the highest ranked elementary level teacher in all of California now.

This past week was Character Counts! Week across Downey Unified. All of our schools celebrated the Six Pillars of Character to encourage our students to be good stewards of our community as they grow into adulthood. Many activities and celebrations were held at our campuses, reminding our students of the importance of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

And finally, as Halloween quickly approaches, I want to remind our families to please trick-or-treat with safety. Always cross the street at the corners or crosswalks, and bring a glowstick or flashlight with you to help both your children see and be seen by drivers. Many of our schools will be hosting events like Trunk or Treat, so make sure to stay up to date with the events happening at your child’s school as they work to bring our school communities together to celebrate safely.

Happy 150 years to the City of Downey!

Giggy Perez-Saab
Board of Education President