March 2016
Leadership Day
If you ask a parent, teacher, or community member what makes a Downey student special, you may easily hear comments about the principles of leadership students frequently display. On February 19, all of Downey’s students had the opportunity to showcase their leadership abilities for the annual Leadership Day Event!
Students and teachers spent weeks preparing for the event. The event started off when students gathered in front of dozens of parents, family members, and other community supporters to welcome them to Downey. The Downey chorus sang original songs that highlighted their leadership lessons with the help of music teacher, Mr. Kohler.
Students prepared speeches and spoke about what they want to be when they grow up and how Downey has helped them grow. Teachers and students then gathered for a panel discussion speaking on how Downey has progressed over the past several years and how Together for Tomorrow and the Leader in Me Initiatives have helped to transform Downey’s students and provide them with the strongest educational foundation.
Downey’s young leaders showed the special guests examples from their individual Leadership Notebooks and shared how they serve as leaders in the school.
The day represented a special opportunity for the community to learn about the transformative work happening at Downey School and the important role families and our community partners play in providing opportunities for Downey’s students. The event served as an inspiring moment to reflect on past success and plans to ensure the continued success of Downey’s leaders.
Thank you to all the families and community members for your support!
Barnes and Noble Bookstore Visit
Downey’s 3rd grade students had a wonderful opportunity in February to participate in a field trip to the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Camp Hill!
Through a partnership with United Way of the Capital Region, every student was matched with a United Way volunteer upon their arrival.
The students and the volunteers joined together to explore the various sections of the store through an interactive scavenger hunt. The student leaders were also able to enjoy a snack in the bookstore café. Students expressed their joy when they learned they could take home several books of their choice through the courtesy of the United Way.
For many students, the field trip opened up a brand new world. For many, the trip was the first time they were able to explore a bookstore. The trip provided a fun and educational environment for the kids that promoted the importance of reading while meeting an adult volunteer from the community.
We thank Mrs. Dalinsky and all of the leadership and volunteers from the United Way for making the event such a fun-filled success. The event reminds us the incredible impact we can make when we join together!
Action Team Update
Downey’s Action Teams had a busy and productive month! February often brings unpredictable weather, but that hardly stopped Downey’s committed teachers and community partners from making tremendous progress.
Action Teams continued to work on the planning and implementation of special events from Leadership Day to Downey Days to the Block Party. The teams also continue to work towards preparation for Leader in Me Lighthouse Review at the end of the school year, PSSA Preparation, and promoting and supporting collaboration between Downey’s dedicated After School partners.
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
March 14-18—Downey Days
April 1-2—“Building Capacity and Community Through Sustaining Partnerships” Convening
April 23—Block Party
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