John R. Downes Elementary School

Mark Your Calendar:

~~ May ~~
15: Site Council Meeting, 3:15
15: Christina School Board Meeting, 7:30 at DSD
15: Trek for Cystic Fibrosis
15: Dine at Pat's MVP
25: Shark of the Month lunch
28: Memorial Day (no school)
30: Spring Concert, 2pm, 7pm
31: Field Day, K–2, morning
~~ June ~~
1: Field Day, 3–5, morning
5: PTA Meeting, 6:00

Welcome to Downes Elementary School

May is here and it’s hard to believe that there are only a few weeks left in the year. Looking back over what we have accomplished in the past nine months is truly amazing. Think back to the first day of school and reflect on what your child has learned this year. It is really something to think about.

In the next few weeks, Mrs. Prettyman will be making the move from Marshall to Downes and she is very excited about her new home. I have assured her that this will be a smooth transition and that everyone will be greeting her with open arms and smiles. She has excellent credentials and will do a fine job at the helm. I am confident that Downes will continue to be the flagship school of the Christina School District!

We have many activities in the next month and I do hope that you will be at school to share in all of these events.

Third Grade is doing a Fundraiser at Pats Pizza

Come help support Downes Elementary Tuesday May 15th at Pat Pizzeria, MVP. Located at 160 Elkton Road in Newark. 15% of pick-up and dine-in sales or 10% of delivery will benefit Downes. Just mention you are benefitting Downes when you order or bring this flyer.

Meet the Next Principal of Downes Elementary - Mrs. Prettyman

Hello to Downes Students, Staff and Families - I am Trish Prettyman, and I am very excited to have been named as the new Principal of Downes Elementary School upon Mrs. Schwartz's retirement at the end of the school year. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to say how honored I am to work with such a dedicated community centered on learning. I know the Downes family takes much pride in their achievements as they should. The academic performance of Downes students is cause for celebration, and it is because of the partnership of dedicated students, staff and families. Mrs. Schwartz and I will be working together to make the transition a smooth one. I look forward to meeting you and working with you to ensure that John R. Downes Elementary School remains the Superior School that it is.

Parking on Casho Mill Road

Thank you for not parking in front of the school along the yellow curb during morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. We had a couple of “close calls” and we hope that you will help us in keeping our children safe at these busy times. The side parking lot is the best way to go so thanks for your patience!

Stay Connected

Here are some of the tools available for you to stay connected with what's happening in Christina.

Facebook: Stay up-to-date on announcements, upcoming meetings, and more. The District's Facebook page, ChristinaK12, has more than 4,900 fans and is growing every day. Receive news updates, share ideas and comments, and read what others are saying.

Twitter: Follow @ChristinaK12 for CSD news, announcements, upcoming events, meeting reminders, and much more.

Text Alerts: CSD has created a Twitter account for notifying the community via text messaging about School Closing, Delays, Early Dismissals, and other urgent information. The new account @CSDalerts is a way for parents, students, staff, and the community to sign up for CSD Urgent Twitter alerts via text messaging without having a Twitter account! To sign up, simply text Follow CSDalerts to 40404. (Please note: Standard text messaging rates apply.)

Principal Denise Schwartz welcomes you aboard the H.R.R. Downes: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility

Outside Links: