Robert Down Principal's Update

Dear Robert H. Down School Community,

What a fantastic evening we had at our Winter Concert on Tuesday! Our students truly shone, thanks to the incredible efforts of Mr. Jared Masar. His dedication to music education and his ability to create inclusive and inspiring performances are truly commendable. The black light performances were a particular highlight, and we are so grateful for his hard work.

Your generous donations to the Monterey County Food Bank, the Pacific Grove Kiwanis Club Toy Drive, and One Warm Coat will make a significant difference in the lives of many families in need. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

A special thank you to the Ireland family for their generous donation of a wheelbarrow to our Garden Program.

Culture of “We”- Opportunities for Engagement

• California Parent Survey: PLEASE HELP! Your input is crucial! We've received 37 responses so far, but we need at least 50 to analyze the data effectively. Please take a moment to complete the California Parent Survey to help us improve our school. Your responses are anonymous. For more information and specific instructions feel free to reference this sheet.

• Welcoming our New Families: Do you or your family speak Korean, Portuguese, or Spanish? Would you be interested in connecting with a family who has just arrived at Robert Down? If so, please share your information here and we will connect you with a newly arrived family.

Safety Updates

Bullying Prevention Learning Series: Join us for this informative series for parents, held on the second Tuesday of each month from January to April at 6 PM at PGMS. Topics include:

• Understanding and Responding to Bias-Based Bullying

• Cyberbullying and Internet Safety

• Students' Rights and Parent Responsibilities

• Supporting LGBTQ+ and Neurodiverse Students

Upcoming Dates

• December 20: Minimum Day (Dismissal at 12:15 PM)

• December 23-January 6: Winter Break (No School)

• January 21, 2024: ELAC at 2:30 PM, School Site Council at 3:30 PM, PTA Meeting at 7:00 PM

Wishing you and your families a wonderful winter holiday season filled with joy, peace, and love. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Emily Tsai Brownfield, Principal

December 20 - Minimum Day, all student dismissed at 12:15 PM, Monarch Club closes at 2:00 PM

December 23-January 6 - Winter Break, No School

January 7 - Return to School

January 9 - PGUSD Board Meeting, 6:30 PM

January 12 - PTA 2nd Sundays Playdate, RHD Playground 1:00-4:00 PM

January 14 - Bullying Prevention Learning Series, PGMS, 6:00 PM

January 15 - PTA Dine Out, Chipotle Del Monte Center

January 16 - Picture Re-take Day

January 21 - 100th Day of School

January 21 - English Language Advisory Committee Meeting, 2:30 PM

January 21 - School Site Council Meeting, 3:30 PM

January 21- PTA General Meeting, 7:00 PM

Due to an increase in illnesses at school, we are asking families to monitor their children for the following signs and symptoms of illness and then keep them home until symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of over the counter medications. Symptoms to watch for are:

• Persistent headache and fatigue
• Elevated temperature
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Loss of taste or smell

Please have your child to school on time. Gates open at 8:30 AM. Warning bell rings at 8:40 AM. Final bell rings and instruction begins at 8:45 AM. When a student is tardy it is disruptive to the office and classroom. In addition, students miss important information and announcements from their teacher first thing in the morning.

Did you know that you can report your child's absence with your ParentVUE app? Simply log into your ParentVUE account to send the office a message about why your child is absent.

* Ways to report a student absent *

a) ParentVUE app

b) 24 Hour Absence Line (831) 646-6663

c) Email Annie Deis at adeis@pgusd.org

If you plan on being a VOLUNTEER on campus or a CHAPERONE for a field trip, please be sure you are fingerprint cleared with our district. To make an appointment at the District Office please contact Bree Nehring by calling 607-8892 or emailing bnehring@pgusd.org

Before coming to campus to volunteer, please check with your child's teacher to schedule a time that works best for them.

This notice is to tell you about our voluntary program designed to build the RHD library and foster your child’s love of reading.

Here is how it works: To join the Robert H. Down Birthday Book Club fill out the information below (scroll way down to the bottom of this message to print the Birthday Book forms) and deposit it in the Drop Box at school along with a check for $20.00 (please make the check payable to the P.G.U.S.D. and write R.H.D. Birthday Book on the memo line).

When your child’s birthday month comes around Ms. Scanlon will present a new book in honor of your child’s birthday. Your child will be the first one to check out and read the book that has been donated to the library to celebrate their birthday. A bookplate with your child’s name will be affixed to the inside cover for all future readers to appreciate.

Website: https://robertdown.pgusd.org/
Location: 485 Pine Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
Phone: (831) 646-6540

Email: RHDOffice@pgusd.org