As we begin the thirteenth fabulous school year at Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy, I extend a welcome to each of you! We have many wonderful events planned for everyone. For students we have a strong academic core curriculum, extended by an excellent fine arts program, and counseling programs. Students participate in leadership activities like visiting Artist in Residence Program, Breakfast Buddies, assembly programs, field day, field trips, performing arts, holiday shows, Show Choir, School Safety Patrol, Toastmasters, and Student Council. Students also enjoy the school spirit/theme days planned and selected by Student Council and the Positive School Climate Committee.  In addition, our PTA and Partners-in-Education ( Kiwanians of Greater Columbus, Wachovia, and TSYS) are sponsoring several exciting opportunities during the school year for our students to learn and grow. Refer to Friday's FYI (printed monthly throughout the year) for a complete schedule of activities.

Parents, we invite you to become part of the Downtown Elementary team to help us provide the highest quality of education for your child. Become a member of our volunteer program through the Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) and take part in our special events. Ask the Principal for the opportunity to volunteer at DEMA.  It is through the enormous numbers of talents and labors of love from all volunteers and employees, coupled with the synergy of the faculty/staff and volunteers working cooperatively together, we blend our talents and areas of expertise and are able to soar to a height of quality witnessed by the rarest of public and private schools. We have every reason to be proud of the job we do and the precious children whom we serve.

Students, in order to have a stimulating, challenging, and orderly environment conducive to learning, we stress two points: Participation and Cooperation. We offer a full scale of educational opportunities for participation; please take advantage of the wonderful opportunities. Your cooperation is appreciated as we continue to work together creating our exceptional school. Please take time, along with your parents, to read and familiarize yourself with the information given, especially reviewing the school rules. A complete copy of all the Muscogee County Student Policies is available for review in the Media Center as well as the Principal's Office.

We encourage all families to take advantage of our new “Universal Breakfast” program this year.  It simply means that breakfast will be provided to all of our students each day  at no cost to parents.  Students must arrive at school between 8:00--8:30 in order to be served breakfast.   When students are hungry, their ability to learn suffers.  Having your child at school  in time to eat a nutritious breakfast each day will help him or her to pay attention in class, improve academic performance, creativity and test scores.

Over recent years, our students’ academic performance has improved in many areas, however we have a tremendous need for improvement in the area of attendance.  Last year, our students absences and tardies combined to an abysmal total of 21,562 instructional hours lost.  In an effort to drastically reduce the number of absences and tardies, our school has adopted a new policy to respond to tardies that are not the result of a trip to the doctor.  After the 3rd unexcused tardy students will be assigned to visit the STOP room during their PE time .  All subsequent unexcused tardies for the school year will require another visit to the stop room.

Parents, as the year unfolds, please remember that my door is always open for you. Please feel free to call or schedule an appointment if you would like to discuss something. Downtown Elementary represents a host of friendly staff members who have an open door policy. Your child's teacher is there for support and guidance; please call on him or her.

In closing, let me reiterate how delighted I am that we have these unique opportunities to begin another school year together. We continue to promote our school's mission of providing an educational environment that is three-dimensional: daring, discovering, and dynamic. I look forward to working with each of you.
 
 

Sincerely,
Sheila Brock
Principal