April 2016
500 Men Read
On Tuesday, March 1, Downey hosted the 500 Men Reading event. Throughout the area, there were over 500 Men participating from February 29-March 5. At Downey, there were over 30 visitors!
Many of our readers returned from last year. Many years ago, The American Literacy Corporation and Floyd Stokes started with only 100 Men Reading. The purpose of the event is to promote literacy and career exploration. After so much success, it has grown to 500 Men Reading.
Men from all different professions ranging from disc jockeys to doctors, came to participate. At Downey, student leaders applied to be greeters, escorting them to their classrooms and introducing the reader to the other students. The reader chose a book to share with the class. After they finished reading, the students in each classroom interviewed the guest asking them about their favorite books, school experiences, and profession.
The readers, students, and teachers all appreciated the experience learning from a variety of men in so many different professions. We look forward to hosting again next year!
Downey Days
The student excitement started before the Downey students boarded the buses headed to the Messiah campus. When they arrived, they were eagerly greeted by staff members and volunteers from the Oaks Museum of Natural History. In small groups, the young leaders explored various parts of the museum and participated in many activities.
The Downey students were able to hear environmental and animal themed stories, explore animals of North America, and discover various mammals and reptiles located right in central Pennsylvania. For some students, they had the chance to interact with a live snake and learn about these creatures! The students loved learning about our natural environment and expressed their desire to come back to the museum soon!
After their time in the museum, the students enjoyed lunch with some of Messiah’s student athletes. After lunch, the student athletes along with the AROMA sports program, led various interactive games and activities with the Downey kids. From the moment the students walked into the gym through a student athlete tunnel, the energy felt electric!
After the Oaks Museum, lunch, and the activities with Messiah’s student athletes, it was time to board the buses and return back to school.
Downey Days represented a tremendous opportunity to highlight the partnership between Messiah College and Downey School. Downey’s leaders learned and enjoyed their day interacting with Messiah students and are already thinking about college as part of their futures. The spirit of Downey Days truly reflects the positive impact of community partnerships and how everyone can benefit from these exchanges.
Thank you to the teachers, Oaks Museum staff, Messiah student athlete volunteers, the Agape Center at Messiah College, and parents who helped to make sure Downey Days were an educational and fun-filled opportunity for Downey students!
Click here for the full slideshow of pictures!
http://goo.gl/3NZqbq
Action Team Update
Downey’s Action Teams had a busy and productive month! Many Action Team members participated in a regional conference on April 1: “Building Capacity and Community through Sustaining Partnerships. More information about the convening will be posted in the April Blog update so be sure to check back soon!
Action Teams continued to work on the planning and implementation of special events from Downey Days to the Block Party in late Aril. 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 while supporting parental involvement.
Block Party
The 4th Annual Together for Tomorrow Block Party at Downey School will occur on Saturday, April 23rd from 11am-2pm! 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
April 23—Block Party
May 13—Students Perform at the Forum with Harrisburg Symphony Youth Orchestra
May 23—Kindergarten and 1st Grade Moving Up Ceremony
May 25—Leader in Me Lighthouse Review
May 26—2nd and 3rd Grade Moving Up Ceremony
May 27—4th Grade Graduation Ceremony
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