Dear Robert H. Down School Community,
It’s hard to believe it is already December!
I hope each of your families had an opportunity to enjoy extra time with loved ones last weekend.
It was such a joy to see so many of you at the Farmers’ Market on Monday. I enjoyed watching the Forest Grove and Robert Down After School Choirs perform under the leadership of our Music Director, Mr. Jared Masar at the Pacific Grove Tree Lighting that evening.
Thank you so much for coming to our Winter Concert on Tuesday evening! A huge shout out to Mr. Jared Masar for orchestrating such a festive event for all to enjoy! I am so proud of all of our students who performed! Additional thanks to all the teachers and staff that supported us in preparing before and throughout the concert. Thanks to Mr. Felix Diaz-Contreras, we should have a link for you to visit a recording of both performances of the Winter Concert within the next week or two.
Upcoming Events
Yearbook Pre-Orders
Don’t miss out on ordering your yearbook now! They will be available only via pre-order until April 17! Ads are also available for purchase. Link to order yearbook and purchase ads.
🚨 Safety Corner
We have a Shelter in Place Drill scheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 11:45AM. Here is a link to the Shelter in Place protocol as well as the script that will be used.
🤝 Community Support and Events
Many thanks to our school community for donating items to our Monterey Food Bank Bins, as well as our ALL-IN Monterey and Kiwanis Bins. All items donated will go to families in need and help to make their winter and holidays a little brighter.
We will continue to collect canned food and non-perishable items for our Monterey Food Bank bins until December 17th.
ALL-IN Monterey County items requested include Legos, art/craft supplies, dolls/Barbies, cars/Hot Wheels, educational toys, teen make-up, gifts for teens, jackets/sweaters, shoes, perfume/cologne, socks/underwear, board games, and sports equipment. This bin is located near the front office.
The Kiwanis Club is looking for new toy donations that will be distributed to families in need.
Did you know three of our Robert Down students, Milo Mayorga, Elowen Dow, and Aina Kanon, are in this season’s PacRep production of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing at the Forest Theater on Saturdays and Sundays from November 29-December 21? More information can be found here.
In addition, Robert Down student, Lennox Andrade, and Robert Down parent, Malinda DeRouen, are in the PacRep production of Gypsy at the Founders Theater Golden Bough Playhouse November 13-December 21! This production is considered appropriate for those 13 years old and up. More information can be found here.
🩺 Health and Campus Wellness
Health Reminder
Our school community is continuing to notice a drastic uptick in illness. Please help keep our community healthy by keeping your child home if they have symptoms of illness until they are symptom-free for 24 hours. We appreciate your help!
Join Our "Culture of We"
We are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging and encourage every family to get involved!
Inclusive Practices
Many thanks to parent Mary Aranyos for sharing the importance of inclusive language, particularly as it pertains to our students who have varying levels of support needs.
Inclusive language
Inclusive language helps ensure that all students, families, and staff feel respected, welcomed, and accurately represented in our school community. This guidance provides language recommendations to promote dignity and inclusion for everyone.
Why Inclusive Language Matters
The words we use shape our school culture. Language that reflects respect, person-first or identity-first preferences (as chosen by individuals), and avoids outdated or ableist terminology helps create a supportive, equitable environment for all.
This week’s example highlights Neurodiversity Terminology
Avoid:
Referring to an individual as “neurodiverse” (e.g., “She is neurodiverse.”)
Referring to someone who is neurotypical as "normal"
Use Instead:
“Neurodivergent” when referring to individuals (e.g., “She is neurodivergent.”)
Use “neurodiverse” only when referring to a group with varied neurotypes (e.g., “a neurodiverse team of students”).
"Neurotypical" instead of "normal"
Why:
“Neurodivergent” describes individuals whose neurological development differs from the typical (e.g., autistic, ADHD, etc). “Neurodiverse” applies to groups, not individuals. Using these terms correctly respects neurodivergent identities and promotes accurate understanding.
🗓️ Upcoming Dates to Remember
December 1-12: mClass DIBELS Testing window
December 10: Shelter in Place Drill
December 13: Santa Lucia Day
December 14-22: Hanukkah
December 16: School Site Council
December 19: Minimum Day (Dismissal at 12:15PM)
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 22-January 5: Winter Break
December 25: Christmas
December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
With gratitude,
Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal
