February 2016

MLK Day of Service

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” On Martin Luther King Day, volunteers across Pennsylvania and the entire country joined together to help make a meaningful difference in their communities. In our own community, a dedicated group of Messiah College volunteers turned a “day off” into a “day on” helping with various service projects at Downey and throughout the Harrisburg School District!

Students woke up early and began their day with an orientation where they learned more about the city of Harrisburg and how ways they can continue their involvement. Nearly two dozen students and staff members arrived at Downey ready and excited to get to work. Before starting on the projects, Principal Travis Peck, Messiah alumnus and current Downey teacher Molly Miller, and Together for Tomorrow Coordinator Andy Dessel gave students an orientation to Downey and an introduction/training in preparation of completing the projects. The students also learned why the projects were selected and how they would impact the Downey community.

After the orientation session, the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got right to work. The volunteers completed various painting projects that help to reinforce a positive learning environment for Downey’s student leaders. Volunteers also helped to sort through and organize resources in the Book Room. This effort serves as the start of a major effort to completely document the materials and organize a system so that teachers can use the resources in their classrooms to help students.

Not only did the volunteers complete their work effectively, but they also had fun working together towards a common purpose.

The volunteers worked quickly and were motivated by a strong desire to call upon the ideals of service championed by Martin Luther King, Jr.

After the projects were completed, the volunteers gathered together again to reflect on their experience and why their service was so important. Students also learned how they can maintain their involvement with Downey.

In addition to projects at Downey, students from Messiah also completed projects at Camp Curtin School and SciTech High School as part of the annual MLK Day of Service organized by the Agape Center for Service and Learning at Messiah College.

Leadership Day

Want to see how The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People® work in an urban school setting? On February 19th community members will have the opportunity to see how the Leader in Me process has transformed Downey in three short years. Community members and students can enjoy a day where 100% of the students have an active hand in creating the Leadership Day events.

Downey School is scheduled for a Lighthouse status review soon. Please join us for a look at the process and to celebrate our successes. We hope to see you at Downey this February. Together We Lead!

Block Party

The 4th Annual Together for Tomorrow Block Party at Downey School will occur on Saturday, April 23rd! In doing so we are inviting local businesses and organizations to join us. If you are interested in participating as a local business or individual volunteer, please contact Jessie Smith at jsmith1@hbgsd.us for more information.

Upcoming Events

February 19—Leadership Day

February 26—Leader in Me Lighthouse Review

March 15-18—Downey Days at Messiah College

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