Robert Down Principal's Update

Dear Robert H. Down School Community,

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Fall Break. We’re excited to share some updates about our school and upcoming events.

School Improvements Over Fall Break, our site was very busy with updates to the HVAC system in the A wing and cleaning out and organizing the basement of our school! We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to parent volunteer Jackie Seitz, Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Jon Anderson, Executive Director of Educational Services Dr. Larry Haggquist, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Josh Jorn, and our dedicated custodial staff Eddie Overstreet, Andy Terry, and Thomas DeBruin for their outstanding contributions and support.

Your Input Matters In keeping with our Culture of “We,” we want to ensure that our school community is a welcoming and supportive place for all. Please take a moment to share your ideas on how we can better connect with families and get involved through this very brief survey!

Halloween Parade Join us for our Halloween Costume Parade on Thursday, October 31st, at 9 AM on the playground. Please enter through the open gates at 8:55 AM. Remember, no masks, blood, gore, or accessories are allowed. In addition, to remain in compliance with our Wellness Policy, do not bring candy.

Safety Updates We’re pleased to announce that our new crossing guard position is now posted to support the crossing at Pine and 13th St. If you're interested in this position or would like to volunteer, please complete the appropriate form. Link to apply for the position. Link to occasionally volunteer.

Veterans Day Assembly We'll be hosting a Veterans Day Assembly on Friday, November 8th, at 8:55 AM in the Ottertorium. If you are a Veteran, we would love to honor you. Please complete this form to let us know so we can recognize you with your child(ren).

Special Recognition: AAC Awareness Month October is AAC Awareness Month, and we’re proud to have several students who use augmentative and alternative communication. Learn more about AAC Awareness Month here.

Important Dates

• October 25: PTA Trunk or Treat

• October 23-31: Red Ribbon Week (Highlight importance of living drug-free)

• October 31: Halloween Parade 9AM

• November 4-8: Parent Conference Week (Minimum day dismissal at 12:15PM)

• November 8: Veterans Day Assembly 8:55AM

• November 14: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day/Assembly and Toolbox Assembly

Thank you for your continued support for Robert Down Elementary!

Sincerely,

Emily Tsai Brownfield
Principal

October 25 - PTA Trunk or Treat Halloween Party, Sign Up Genius link below

October 23-31 - Red Ribbon Week (Highlight importance of living drug-free)

⭐ RED RIBBON WEEK SPIRT DAYS! ⭐

Monday 10/28 - "Put a sock on drugs day", WEAR CRAZY SOCKS!

Tuesday -10/29 - "Shade out drugs day", WEAR SUNGLASSES!

Wednesday 10/30 - "Don't get mixed up in drugs", WEAR MISMATCHED CLOTHES!

October 31 - Halloween Parade, 9:00 AM, RHD Field

November 4-8 - Parent Teacher Conference, all students dismissed at 12:15 PM

November 8 - Veterans Day Assembly, 8:55 AM, Ottertorium

November 7 - PGUSD Board Meeting, 6:30 PM

November 10- PTA Second Sundays Playdate, RHD playground, 1:00-4:00 PM

November 11 - Veterans Day, No School

November 13 - PTA Dine Out, Islands, Del Monte Center

November 14 - Ruby Bridges, Walk to School Day

November 14 - Toolbox Assembly, 5th Grade, 10:15 AM

November 19 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM

November 27 - Minimum Day, dismissal 12:15 PM

November 28-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

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.

PGHS BreakerBots will hold their annual Yard Sale on October 26. They are looking for donations from Robert Down families. The money gained from this yard sale will help them raise awareness about robotics (FRC, FLL) and STEM, as well as compete in our upcoming competitions.

Please bring any donations to the PGHS main office building, they will accept anything! Families can drop off donations during fall break or the week after (10/14-10/25).

If you have any questions please email 5104breakerbots@gmail.com

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

Email: RHDOffice@pgusd.org