December 2015
Parent Teacher Conferences
Fall Parent/Student/Teacher conferences represented a special opportunity for Downey’s students to take the lead and share their progress with their parents/guardians.
With the guidance of their teachers, the conferences empowered students to walk their parents/guardians through their leadership notebooks and share their successes and areas for continued development.
Last year Downey had a 68% turnout for the Fall 2014 parent teacher conferences. Thanks to everyone's hard work and great parent/guardian communication, Downey had an 80% turnout! This growth illustrates the continued impact of Downey’s teachers, staff, and community partners’ efforts.
The success of Downey’s students relies on the active involvement of parents/guardians in their child's education. We look forward to continuing to engage more families!
Leadership Harrisburg Group Visit
On November 4, a group of several dozen professionals from the Harrisburg community gathered to learn about the many exciting initiatives and programs happening at Downey. The group, which included representatives from a diverse range of organizations, began their time at Downey with a warm welcome and introduction to the school by Principal Travis Peck.
The presentation helped to inform the participants of the many successes over the past few years at Downey and opportunities to continue strengthening partnerships between Downey and the Harrisburg community. The group learned about the Together for Tomorrow partnership and the many future opportunities available.
After the presentation, student leaders led the participants on a comprehensive tour of the school. Participants were able to directly see parts of the building and the many pieces of student artwork on display throughout the hallways, classrooms, and multipurpose spaces. The participants were able to listen to the young leaders speak energetically about their school and how their service as leaders contributes to a positive learning environment.
As the students brought their tour groups back to the library, the participants gathered for a discussion and question and answer session. The group learned about specific examples of growth over the past three years and how the community, through partnerships, can continue to make a positive impact helping to improve student attendance, behavior, course completion, college access, and employability.
Thank you to the Leadership Harrisburg Area group and to the Downey team members who helped make the visit an educational and enjoyable experience!
Family Fun Night
As the Harrisburg community was busy preparing for Thanksgiving, Downey’s Culture of Leadership Action Team was busy planning and implementing the November Family Night!
Based off of suggestions by parents/guardians, the event featured interactive stations where family members could learn about the 7 Habits that are part of the Leader in Me Program.
The event allowed parents/guardians to learn about the Habits and how families can use the lessons at home to reinforce what the students have learned in school about being a leader. The event served as a great opportunity that brought together students, faculty, staff, and families!
Action Team Update
Although the temperature has gotten colder over the past month, that has not stopped the Downey Action Team members from arriving before school to continue meeting and discussing a variety of events and activities!
The Academic Data Team, 21st Century Social Emotional Life Skills, and Culture of Leaderships teams met and helped to advance various initiatives including incentive days, 7 Habits Training for parents as part of the Leader in Me program, and student leadership binders.
These meetings also 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.
Thank You!
During this season of thanks and reflection, we wish to thank every member of the Together for Tomorrow community for your efforts to help strengthen Downey!
Upcoming Events
December 10—Parent Lighthouse Team Meeting
December 17—Student Incentive Day
December 17—Holiday Musical Event
January 19—MLK Day of Service
February 19—Leadership Day
February 26—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