Dear Robert H. Down School Community,
Although it was a short week, it was certainly a busy one with several field trips to Santa Lucia, Monterey Museum of Art, and Caterpillar Park!
Last week, I wanted to thank all those who participated in our Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday, November 14. We had over 80 participants from the three locations! We also enjoyed having PGMS students read books about Ruby Bridges and lead discussions in several classes! Many thanks to PGMS Leadership Teacher, Mr. Chris Avedissian, for coordinating this special collaborative opportunity!
I also wanted to take a moment to share that I learned that Mr. Gary Williams, a longtime beloved staff member who taught Kindergarten at Robert Down for several decades, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24. I will be working with our school community and those who knew him well on a physical tribute on our school campus in the future. Even until September, Mr. Williams would come in and use his engaging storytelling skills to draw students in. We are so incredibly grateful for his contributions to the Robert Down Elementary School community and will miss him dearly.
Upcoming Events
Tree Lighting - Forest Grove and Robert Down After School Choirs to Perform
The Forest Grove and Robert Down After School Choirs led by Mr. Jared Masar will be performing at the Pacific Grove Tree Lighting on Monday, December 1 from 5:45PM-5:55PM in front of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Feel free to stop by to watch our students perform!
Winter Concert
We look forward to our Winter Concert this year on Tuesday, December 2! The lower grade concert featuring our TK-2nd grade students will perform from 5:00PM-5:30PM. The upper grade concert featuring our 3rd-5th grade students will take place from 5:45PM-6:15PM. Please be sure to have your students arrive at least 15 minutes early (4:45PM for TK-2nd grade and 5:30PM for 3rd-5th grades).
Consider bringing in at least one canned food item to donate to the Food Bank or an item for ALL-IN Monterey County or Kiwanis when you join us for the Winter Concert.
Pine Avenue Street Closure on Thursday, December 4 from 3PM-9PM
The Parade of Lights is a city sponsored special event hosted by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 and starts at 6:00 pm. This event uses Pine Ave between Carmel and Grand Ave as the parade staging area. A street closure will be in place from 3:00pm-9:00pm on Thursday, December 4th. City staff will need to post no parking signs 72 hours prior to the street closure. This will look almost identical to the signs used for Butterfly Parade. If you have students in Monarch Club, please note you may need to park on a side street and walk to pick up your child(ren) that afternoon.
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.
Reminder: Monarch Club closes at 3PM TODAY, November 26.
🤝 Community Support and Events
Our school community has been so generous with their support for our families in need. Each family who requested support has been gifted with the resources requested. Thank you!
As a school community, we invite families to donate canned food and non-perishable items for our Monterey Food Bank bins, which are located throughout the school, including outside the Ottertorium.
In addition, we are hosting an ALL-IN Monterey County donation bin, where we are accepting new toys and clothing for children of all ages in our community. Some 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.
We also have a red bin from Kiwanis Club, who are looking for new toy donations that will be distributed to families in need.
Trash Turtles, an organization started by a current Robert Down family, is hosting a Community Clean Up on November 29. Click here for more information.
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.
🩺 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 Parking and Accessibility
Avoid:
“Handicap parking spot”
“Handicapped entrance”
Use Instead:
Why:
“Handicap” is outdated and can be offensive. “Accessible” focuses on removing barriers and promoting inclusion.
🗓️ Upcoming Dates to Remember
November 26: Minimum Day (Dismissal at 12:15PM) Monarch Club open until 3PM
November 27-28: Thanksgiving Holiday (NO SCHOOL)
December 1-12: mClass DIBELS Testing window
December 2: Winter Concert (TK-2nd Grade- 5:00PM-5:30PM, 3rd-5th Grade- 5:45PM-6:15PM) Please have students arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.
December 16: School Site Council
December 19: Minimum Day (Dismissal at 12:15PM)
December 22-January 5: Winter Break
Wishing each of you a lovely Thanksgiving. I am truly grateful to be part of this school community.
With joy,
Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal
