June 2016

Students Perform at the Forum

Have you ever imagined yourself playing on stage at a concert in front of hundreds of people?

Thanks to a partnership with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Downey’s young leaders had the exciting opportunity to participate in a live concert with the Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra! On May 13th a large group of Downey students boarded buses headed to the beautiful Forum Auditorium to sing select songs on stage with the young members of the Youth Orchestra.

After weeks of practice, Downey music teacher Michael Kohler along with staff from the Symphony prepared Downey’s students for their big concert performance. Students sang a variety of songs while enjoying the many exhilarating sights and sounds of a full musical performance at the Forum. The audience could not help but express their energy with many rounds of applause and cheers after each piece!

Students had the opportunity to perform through the partnership between Downey and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

Students regularly have the opportunity to learn musical lessons during the EXPLORE After School program. The Orchestra has previously helped to support Downey students by providing recorder instruments that Downey students use in their music classes. The opportunity to perform with the Youth Symphony Orchestra served as a crowning achievement celebrating the partnership between Downey and the Symphony and the exciting educational opportunities available to Downey’s student leaders.

Moving Up Ceremonies

As the school year came to a close, the last few days of May represent a valuable time to reflect on all the activity of the past several months. As students helped clean out their classrooms and expressed their anticipation for summer, families and community members had the opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past school year with Moving Up and Graduation Ceremonies!

From Kindergartners about to step into the 1st grade to Downey’s 4th graders about to step into a new school, families were able to recognize their students and show their excitement for Downey’s leaders! Kindergartners and 4th graders donned graduation robes for their ceremonies to the delight of families, friends, and other supporters. Each student received a certificate of achievement to mark the occasion.

Some students received other awards for perfect attendance, most improved student, and art achievement recognition. Downey’s 4th graders also had a special guest speaker, State Senator Rob Teplitz. He spoke about citizenship and awarded two students citizenship awards. After the certificate portion of the ceremony, the students sang one of their favorite original songs, "Together We Lead."

The ceremonies helped to acknowledge the hard work of Downey’s students and challenged them to continue achieving and developing as leaders. Congratulations not only to Downey’s amazing students but to the family members and community members who help to make that success possible every day!

Last Day of School—Transition of Together for Tomorrow

The end of the school years can bring many changes not only for Downey’s students, families, and staff members but also long-term initiatives.

Together for Tomorrow has helped to strengthen Downey School while providing vital resources and innovative opportunities that students need to learn and develop. Together for Tomorrow will evolve next year as the year three project transitions away from full time AmeriCorps VISTA support towards full institutionalization of Downey’s Together We Lead Action Teams.

Together for Tomorrow has helped to transform Downey School and has helped to facilitate a revitalization of hope for what is possible when a community comes together to make meaningful change. Although much work remains to help ensure that every Downey student has the resources to reach his or her full potential, the Together for Tomorrow Initiative has served to better our community and has opened the door wide for continued progress and helped to ensure a brighter future for Downey’s leaders.

Author’s Note

As my time with AmeriCorps PACC*VISTA, Messiah College, and Downey School begins to come to a close, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to our community. Thank you to family members, friends, advocates, teachers, staff members, and community partners for your dedication to Downey’s students. Thank you to Alison and Jaylene (Year 1 and Year 2 VISTAs) for all of your work helping to build Together for Tomorrow.

I feel proud to be a part of the Downey community and have learned many life lessons that I will carry with me. The incredible spirit and commitment to making a positive impact on others has left me inspired and excited for the potential that lies ahead. I am excited and look forward to remaining involved with Downey and seeing the progress of the past three years evolve long into the future! Together We Lead!

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