December 16, 2024
Dear Downey Community,
As we approach the holidays, I would like to remind families of the policy around mobile phones, smart watches, and electronic devices. Although these may be popular holiday gifts, I ask that these devices remain at home and are not brought into school. The district-wide policy is below and can be found in the Pre-K Elementary Handbook on page 16.
Mobile Phones, Smart Watches, Electronic Devices (iPad, Laptops, Gaming Devices)
These items are NOT allowed in school as they are a distraction to the learning environment. If a student brings these items into school, the classroom teacher will ask them to turn off their device and place it in their backpack. If a parent needs to send a communication to their child during the school day, parents should contact the school’s main office and leave a message with the administrative assistant.
Congratulations to our Grade 5 students on a wonderful band performance last Thursday night at WHS! A big thank you to the Downey Student Council who has organized a schoolwide Spirit Week and a community pajama drive to support the Cradles to Crayons organization. Keep those pajamas coming in. Student Council will be collecting through Friday morning. Thank you for your support!
I look forward to seeing many of you who may be attending a classroom event this week. Wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and wonderful holiday and I will see you in the New Year!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Principal Deb Gallagher
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A few updates:
Friday, December 20 - Early dismissal at noon
Before School Breakfast Program
This has been so successful! We are serving between 50-75 breakfasts to students each day. Breakfast is served 8:40-9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. If a bus is running late due to traffic, we allow students to get breakfast before heading to class and notify the teachers so that students aren’t marked tardy. This is a great program, thank you for supporting it!
Spirit Week at Downey School!
Monday 12/16 - Holiday Spirit Day
Wear your favorite holiday gear
Tuesday 12/17 - Sports/Hobby Day
Wear your favorite sport team apparel or represent your favorite hobby
Wednesday 12/18 - Game Day
Each class will have 20-30 minutes for playing board/card games
Thursday 12/19 - Westwood Day
Wear your Westwood gear and/or the colors green, black and white
Friday 12/20 - Pajama Day
Wear your pajamas to school to celebrate the end of our pajama drive for Cradles to Crayons
Morning Drop Off Reminders: Students should not be dropped off until 8:40 a.m. each morning, as there is no supervision until then. Thank you for your cooperation.
Library Volunteer: Checking in books and putting books on shelves. Please email Ms. Sato (ysato@westwood.k12.ma.us) if you are interested in volunteering in the library.
*Don’t forget to complete the CORI form if you plan on volunteering or chaperoning for a class trip. Ms. Blaszkowsky in the office can assist you with this.
“Conversations with Caregivers” As part of the district-wide “Conversation with Caregivers” series, Steve Ouelllette, Director of Technology, Learning, and Innovation, presented on Digital Citizenship and Safety. Some of you, who were not able to attend, have asked for copies of the presentation and the resources for protecting your kids online that were shared that evening. The presentation and resources are linked here for your convenience.
Apparel Orders - The PTO will have a table set up in the front lobby on Wednesday and Thursday for parents and guardians to pick up their paid apparel orders. Thank you for supporting this fundraiser!
