Dear Robert H. Down School Community,
Many thanks to all of you who came out to Monarch Pub on Tuesday, October 27 to support our PTA Dine Out event! It was so much fun seeing some of you there!
We enjoyed having Chief Day as our special guest for Promenade with the Principal on Wednesday, October 28! He was able to share the tremendous progress that has been made related to safety in Pacific Grove, some specific resources and plans to support with e-bike safety, and took the time to walk with us around the perimeter of the campus and identify some potential areas for improvement that he will help us bring forth to the City. We are so grateful for his partnership.
Just a reminder that our Halloween Parade is on Friday, October 30 at 9AM on the playground! Gates will open at 8:55AM for you to join us. Reminder: No masks, blood, gore, weapons, accessories, or candy are allowed, per our Wellness Policy.
In addition, please join us for the PTA sponsored Trunk or Treat Friday, October 30 from 5PM-7PM on our playground! Many thanks to the 20 families who volunteered to host a trunk!
Many thanks to parent, Nikita McKinder, who will be creating a Diwali display for our school next week!
As our Thanksgiving break is approaching, if you are planning to take some additional time, please be sure to submit your Justifiable Absence Request for Independent Study at least two weeks in advance for approval. Remember to submit assignments by the end of the week after your Justifiable Absence in order to receive credit. Any assignments not completed will result in an unexcused absence.
Upcoming Events & Programs
November is Native American History Month!
Parent-Teacher Conference Week (Nov. 2–6): Students will be dismissed at 12:15 PM every day this week to accommodate conferences. The Monarch Club will remain open until 6:00 PM. Please check your email to schedule a time with your child's teacher.
Spirit Week: November 2-6. See flyer below for specific information.
Literati Book Fair: November 2-6 in the Ottertorium 8AM-5:30PM daily.
Veterans Day Assembly: Tuesday, November 10 at 9:00 AM. If you are a veteran or military family, please complete this form so we can properly honor your service.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day: Friday, November 13 at 8:00AM. To participate, please sign up here. We will be meeting and walking from three locations: Caledonia Park, George Washington Park, and First Awakenings. This year, PGMS will also be joining us!
Instrumental Music: We will be offering Instrumental Music again beginning after Thanksgiving break for current 4th and 5th grade students! Please use this form and sign up by November 6, if your 4th or 5th grade student is interested.
Building Our "Culture of We" – Get Involved!
At Robert Down, we believe in the power of community. Your involvement makes a real difference!
Literati Book Fair Volunteers Needed: If you volunteer, you are eligible for a 20% discount on any purchases from the book fair (excluding online purchases and subscriptions! Click here to sign up!
Sign up to donate to the RHD Mix and Mingle Date Night Gift Basket here!
Sign up here to join the PTA.
PTA Class Liaisons: We are still looking for parents to serve as liaisons for each class. Contact Amie Miller at president@robertdownpta.org to learn more.
Drama Club Volunteers: Do you have a 4th or 5th grader passionate about drama? Parent Erica Downs-Karai is coordinating the club this year and needs volunteer support. Please complete this form if you can help.
If you would like to create a display, bulletin board, or share a presentation to honor Native American History in November, please complete this form.
Community Events and Information
Montage Health is hosting some free events!
Wednesday, November 4 | Salsa dance and dip
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM at Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas
Click here to register for this free event
Saturday, November 14 | Free Diabetes Screening
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Montage Wellness Center Marina
Click here to register for this free event
Safety Updates
A reminder to please reserve accessible parking spaces for those with accessible placards. We have several families that rely on these spaces to be able to safely drop off and pick up.
If there is not a space at the drop off curb, please consider parking a block or two away and making it a special moment to walk with your child to school. Please DO NOT leave cars unattended or park in the bus zone.
PGUSD partners with Smart Social. Here are some upcoming free parent workshops:
November's Free Parent Workshops
November 5 | Raising Kids in a Video Game World
Understand why kids love video games, the benefits they receive from playing, the hidden risks and dangers to be aware of, and practical strategies for safe and balanced video game play for your family.
Register now for Raising Kids in a Video Game World
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Oct. 30: Halloween Costume Parade (9:00 AM) & Trunk-or-Treat (5:00–7:00 PM)
November: Native American History Month
Nov. 2–6: Parent Conference Week (12:15 PM Dismissal daily)
Nov. 2–6: Spirit Week & Literati Book Fair
Nov. 2-Dec. 3: Charleston Wrap PTA Fundraiser (Info to be sent home with students)
Nov. 3: PTA Meeting online (7:00 PM)
Nov. 6-10: Diwali
Nov. 7: Mix & Mingle Spooky Soirée, 6 PM-9 PM at Lauren's Lounge in PG (See flyer below)
Nov. 10: Veterans Day Assembly (9:00 AM)
Nov. 13: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (8:00AM)
Nov. 17: PTA Dine Out at Pacific Thai (11 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 8 PM) 15% of purchases will be donated back to RHD when you mention our fundraiser. (See flyer below)
Nov. 19: Picture Retake Day
Nov. 19: Gather & Game Community Potluck Event (5-7:30 PM)
Nov. 25-27: Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
Have a safe Halloween weekend!
With gratitude,
Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal
