Dear Robert H. Down School Community,
I hope each of you had a chance to enjoy some extra time over Labor Day weekend!
We had a lovely turnout for our first Promenade with the Principal yesterday. Parents learned a bit about our Counselor, Sonda Frudden, our Mental Health Therapist, Julia Triplett, their approach to their work, and had a chance to ask questions. Click here for the slides. This was followed by a walk around the perimeter of the school where I was able to show some of the proposed changes on Pine Avenue for improved loading and unloading, as well as the newly striped area along Spruce and 13th and walking path on 13th St.
We would also like to find out topics you are interested in for future Promenade with the Principal events. Please click here to provide your input!
Spanish
At the PGUSD Board meeting this evening, we will be highlighting our Spanish program! Feel free to tune in to see Señora Núñez and some of our students share about our program! Click here to watch online beginning at approximately 6:30PM.
Drama Club
Many thanks to parent Shawn Rozsa, for volunteering again to run the Drama Club! It will be open to students in Grades 3-5, practices will be on Mondays and Tuesdays from October 27, 2025-March 30, 2026. There is limited space available, so please sign up early using this link!
After-School Choir
Thanks to our general music teacher, Mr. Jared Masar, we’re offering after-school choir for students in Grades 3-5. The choir will meet on Tuesdays, starting September 9. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Attendance Campaign
Just a gentle reminder on the importance of arriving at school on time everyday. Each month, students will have the opportunity to earn a special “star,” if they achieve Perfect Attendance for the month. (This allows for up to one <30 minute tardy and up to two dr. appointments per month.) However, please keep in mind that if your child is ill, we strongly advise that you keep your child home in accordance with our District Illness Policy.
Also, all Justifiable Absence Requests will now be processed as Requests for Independent Study. If you anticipate your child will be absent, please complete and submit this form to our office at least two weeks in advance. Otherwise, the absence will be marked as unexcused and may contribute to truancy.
Important Safety Updates
Do NOT park in the bus loading zone on Pine: For your safety and those of your children, please do NOT park in the bus loading zone. We have multiple buses that drop off and pick up students in the morning and afternoon.
If your child rides a bicycle or scooter to school, please talk to them about the importance of parking it either in the bicycle cage, or in the bike rack. Recently bikes have been left on the blacktop, creating a tripping hazard for other students.
Join Our "Culture of We"
We are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging at Robert Down and encourage every family to get involved.
Walk with P.R.I.D.E: Plan to join us on Saturday, September 6 from 9AM-12PM on the Rec Trail by Lovers Point and raise funds that directly benefit classrooms and programs. Click here to make a donation. Necklaces were distributed yesterday.
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.
Off-Campus Activity Parent/Volunteer Driver Form In order to volunteer as a driver for field trips this year, you must be cleared to drive with our District in addition to being fingerprint cleared. The driver form must be completed once per school year. (Fingerprints only need to be cleared once while your child is enrolled in PGUSD.)
Upcoming Dates to Remember
September 6th: Walk with P.R.I.D.E. at Lovers Point 10AM-12PM
September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16: School Site Council
September 17: Constitution Day
September 24: Picture Day
October 4: Butterfly Parade/Butterfly Bazaar
Wishing you a wonderful Friday!
With gratitude,
Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal
