Dear Robert H. Down School Community,
I have truly enjoyed getting to know many of our students, seeing them engaged in learning, and already settling into their classroom communities!
As we are now about to enter into our third week of school, we will be reinforcing school drop off at the gate. Parents, please prepare your children to say good-bye before they enter campus to help us smoothly transition into their classrooms.
Important Information and Upcoming Events
TONIGHT is Back to School Night: Thursday, August 14th
Join us for our annual Back to School Night! The PTA will have food trucks on campus starting at 5:00 PM, so come early for dinner and to connect with other families.
5:00 PM: Food trucks (Dinner available for purchase)
5:30 PM: TK/K Session I (TK/K Childcare will be in the TK playground by Building E)
6:15 PM: Principal’s Address in the Ottertorium
6:30 PM: TK/K Session II, 1st-5th Grade Session I
7:00 PM: 1st-5th Grade Session 2 (for families with more than one student)
Thank you to those of you RSVPed for childcare for the evening.
TK/K childcare will be in the TK playground by Building E.
1st - 3rd grade will be on the main playground area.
4th - 5th grade will be in the Library.
Be sure to allow enough time to sign in your child for childcare and get to the classroom in time for the Back to School presentation.
Building Our "Culture of We"
We remain committed to nurture a sense of belonging at Robert Down and encourage each family to get involved.
Our first School Site Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19. School Site Council is the decision-making body of the school and helps to develop our School Plan each year. Find a copy of our agenda for the first meeting here.
Join the PTA: Sign up here to become a member and support our school.
Volunteer: Complete this survey to let us know how you'd like to contribute. We have opportunities ranging from the School Site Council to classroom volunteering and lunch supervision.
RHD PTA is looking for individuals to donate items to the RHD Mix & Mingle Gift Basket. Please click here to sign up to donate an item or two.
Safety Updates
- Bus Loading Zone: For your safety, please do not park in the bus loading zone. We have multiple buses using that zone during drop off and pick up. I encourage families walking students to the gate to park a block or two away and enjoy the time with your child(ren).
Our Superintendent, Dr. Linda Adamson, has shared a Back to School Safety Message highlighting Safe Routes to School and our Partnership with PGPD.
Please take a moment to review our District Safety Update from the Board meeting held on August 7, 2025.
Traffic and Parking: To ease traffic, please use the recommended pick-up gates listed below and see the attached map.
Gate A: TK Rm A2, K Rms A1 & A3, 2nd Gr Rms 13 & 15, Rm 18 - SDC
Gate B: K Rm C1, 1st Gr Rms B1, B2, B3, Rm 17 - SDC
Field Gate: 3rd Gr Rm 8, 4th Gr Rm 10, 5th Gr Rms 6, 7, & 9
Gate D: TK Rm E1, 3rd Gr Rms 3 & 5, 4th Gr Rms 2 & 4
Of course, if there is a gate more convenient for your family, please be sure to communicate with your child(ren) your plan. Older siblings are encouraged to pick up their younger siblings before proceeding to a gate.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
August 19th: School Site Council @ 3:30 PM
August 26th: Social & Emotional Learning Parent Event @ 6:00 PM
September 1st - Labor Day Holiday, No School
September 6th - PG PRIDE, Walk with PRIDE, Lovers Point 9:00 AM
I look forward to seeing you this evening!
With joy,
Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal
