It’s September and our schools are running full speed ahead into the new year. I want to start by congratulating our newest principals for doing an amazing job so far this school year as they took the helm of brand new campuses and have worked hard to keep the positive momentum moving forward: David Cid (Gallatin Elementary), Tami Francis (Lewis Elementary), Rose Zeisel (Rio San Gabriel Elementary), Garry Naval (Unsworth Elementary), Scott Fleming (Doty Middle), Kathy Estevez (Griffiths Middle) and Allison Box (Stauffer Middle).

As we happily welcomed our students and families back to our campuses, our schools have been busy hosting their Back to School Nights these past few weeks, with a few more scheduled before the end of September. If your child’s night hasn’t been held yet, remember that this is the perfect opportunity to get a preview of what your child’s school year will look like. From meeting their teacher(s), learning about the curriculum, and understanding expectations; this night serves as a way to prepare yourself with ways to better support your child throughout the year.

Another great way to get connected with your child’s school is to attend PTA meetings or Coffee/Chat with the Principal. These dates are shared by your child’s school and serve as a way for you to get a closer look into what’s happening on campus and meet the staff that work hard every day for your child. Our Superintendent also hosts coffee meetings where he invites families from across the district to join him to learn about the various things happening across this district. Coffee with the Superintendent is held three times a year with the upcoming one being held at Gallatin Elementary on October 11th at 6pm. Follow Downey Unified on social media to get more information on these districtwide meetings families are invited to and make sure to check your emails as your child’s school/PTA send out information often.

As we look forward into October, there are a lot of exciting things happening at all of our schools as well as at the district level. Our annual State of the Schools breakfast is being held on the morning of Friday, Oct. 6th. This event brings the entire Downey community together to see why Downey Unified is an amazing district. If you’re interested in attending, please visit the district’s website for more information. Also, in just a few weeks, it’s the game we wait for every year… the Downey vs. Warren football game. Come out and support our student athletes from both high schools and join in on the excitement as we root for our students as they compete in one of the biggest games of the year. Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 13th at 7pm and get your Red (Downey) or Blue (Warren) ready.

Wrapping things up, I want to remind our families that all of our Downey Unified students are encouraged to participate in the PTA Art Reflections Program. This year’s theme is “I am Hopeful Because…” Entries are being accepted in six differed categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance/Choreography and Film Production. Submit an entry for one category, or all six!... The sky is the limit. Please check your school’s website for more information on how to register.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the various fun events that are ahead of us as we wrap up September and head into October.

Sincerely,

Giggy Perez-Saab
Board of Education President