November 2015
October featured many exciting events at Downey! From Action Team meetings to federal and state government visits to a community clean-up day and a career fair, read on to learn about some of the amazing events happening at Downey!
Downey Welcomes Special Visitors
On Monday, October 19th, Downey welcomed Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Education. Rev. Girton-Mitchell received a warm welcome to Downey from student leaders who showed their excitement to welcome her to their school.
Once in the school library, students spoke about how they have grown and their role as leaders at Downey. Our special guests then had the opportunity to listen to Downey chorus members sing two original songs along with music teacher, Michael Kohler.
Two teachers then shared their stories with the gathering of school and community leaders about their experience with Together for Tomorrow and Leader in Me Initiatives. Rev. Girton-Mitchell then had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Sybil Knight-Burney, School Board Members, and representatives from the Harrisburg Schools Foundation.
As if Monday was not jammed packed enough with activities, Rev. Girton-Mitchell spent some additional time with the Downey community on Tuesday, October 20th. While at Downey, a team of Together for Tomorrow stakeholders joined together for a luncheon to discuss where TFT has been over the past three years and future directions and opportunities.
After the luncheon, Rev. Girton-Mitchell and other special guests including representatives from the Salvation Army, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Bethesda Mission, STEAM Makerspace, and United Way had the opportunity to take a tour of Downey.
To finish the day, students in Kindergarten teacher Valerie White’s class showed Rev. Girton-Mitchell their enthusiasm when she read The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts to the students. The story had particular resonance for Rev. Girton-Mitchell who shared her personal experience about how one person can use their voice to make a difference.
On behalf of the entire Together for Tomorrow community, we thank Rev. Girton-Mitchell for an exciting and productive visit to Downey!
Career Day!
On Wednesday, October 21 nearly 80 community members spent their morning with Downey students for Downey’s first Career Day event!
The event, organized by school counselor Dawn Kaloz, brought together a wide spectrum of representatives from various career fields from small businesses to large businesses, medical professionals, educators, local newscasters, nonprofit mission-driven organizations, and healthcare professionals.
The event energized the Downey students and left them asking questions and considering careers they may have never realized existed before. Melrose School students were also invited to join in the event.
The entire Together for Tomorrow team would like to express our thanks that so many of our community members took time from their busy schedule to participate and help inspire Downey students and encourage them to think about their futures.
Several days have since passed, and the students can’t seem to stop talking about it!
Community Clean-up Day
Sleeping in late, watching TV programs, catching up on work, or simply spending quality time with family and friends may come to mind when you imagine a typical Saturday morning. However, for a passionate group of community members and volunteers, they had something different in mind for a late October Saturday morning.
Downey’s revitalized and reenergized Parent Lighthouse Team organized a community clean-up day that helped to bring together Downey student leaders, parents, and teachers to help clean the outside areas of the neighborhoods surrounding Downey. After just a few hours, volunteers had collected enough trash to fill more than 40 full bags.
Click the link below to see media coverage of the event from ABC 27.
http://abc27.com/2015/10/25/have-pride-in-your-community-clean-up-effort-pushes-kids-to-care/
The dedication of the teachers who support the Parent Lighthouse Team and the parents who took time to help organize and participate in the event illustrates the powerful impact we can make to improve our communities when we join together! Thank you for your hard work!
Action Team Update
During October, several working groups gathered together to review the history of the Together for Tomorrow Initiative at Downey and discuss current and future challenges and developmental opportunities.
These meetings offered helpful and productive conversations that will help guide the future of Together for Tomorrow at Downey as we continue to make progress on our five core student outcomes: Attendance, Behavior, Course Completion, College Access, and Employability.
We appreciate everyone who participated in these meetings including Downey teachers, parents, and valued community partners.
Upcoming Events
November 4—Leadership Harrisburg Group Visit and Tour of Downey & Community Improvement Zone (CIZ) Partners meeting at Downey
November 5 and 6—Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24--Family Night 7 Habits Training
December 10—Leadership Day
December 11—Leader in Me Lighthouse Review
Do You Want to Learn More?
“Like” our Facebook page for constant updates and pictures!
www.facebook.com/tft.downey.messiah
School District website
http://www.hbgsd.k12.pa.us
Agape Center at Messiah College website
http://www.messiah.edu/info/21015/agap%C3%A9_center
We are always open and listening to suggestions for new ways to connect you with information.
Any questions, comments, or suggestions please contact: Andy Dessel, Together for Tomorrow Coordinator at: tftcoord@messiah.edu