Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee (SSAC) Seeks Members

Incoming 10th, 11th and 12th grade students are encouraged to apply… Application below!

Do you enjoy collaborating with your peers, providing your input on important school issues and being part of a thoughtful process resulting in innovative solutions? If so, apply to be a member of the SSAC!

“Elevating student voices is critical in shaping conversations about education and creating change.”

John A. Garcia, Jr., Ph.D., Superintendent

As the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee embarks on its fourth year, Downey Unified Superintendent, Dr. John Garcia, invites high school students, in the 10th-12th grade this upcoming school year, to take part in this unique opportunity!

Students who successfully go through the application process will serve on the committee, alongside its existing veteran members who participated in the 2023-24 school year. After selection, each student is required to provide verification of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) permission to participate.

For the 2024-25 school year, the 30-member committee will be comprised of 14 members from Downey High School and Warren High School, each; and two members from Columbus High School. Each year, the selection committee makes an effort to represent different grades and high school experiences in their member selections.

Application Window Closes on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 12 pm (noon)

Reference Requirement

In addition to an online application, students must also identify at least one (1), but no more than two (2), Teachers, Administrators or Certificated School Staff Members (e.g. a Counselor, School Psychologist, Dean, Advisor, etc.), at their current school, to submit a Reference Form on their behalf. It is the student’s responsibility to send their identified reference the online form for completion and submission by the deadline indicated below. Only one reference is required, but up to two may be submitted.

Deadline

The online Application and Reference Forms are due on or by Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 12 pm (noon).

Meeting Attendance & Student Grade Requirements and Meeting Schedule

Due to the advisory nature of the SSAC and topics discussed, it is of utmost importance that ALL members attend ALL scheduled meetings and stay in communication about their attendance. Monthly meetings are programmed to take place at 4:00 pm at the District Office, on the third Thursday of the month, from August 2024 to May 2025. Student members are expected to attend and be active participants in each meeting. Final meeting schedule will be confirmed at the beginning of the year.

Please note that all prospective members are required to make the following agreements:

I understand that if selected to serve on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee (SSAC), I am required to participate in each monthly meeting IN-PERSON, from approximately August 2024 to May 2024, after school at the Downey Unified District Office. 

I understand that as a Member I am expected to stay in communication with the SSAC staff regarding my meeting attendance by responding to requests for RSVP as well as notifying via email/phone if any school-related or unforeseen personal scheduling conflict prevents me from attending a meeting. 

I understand that failure to attend meetings and to communicate with the SSAC staff about my attendance, PRIOR to monthly meetings, may lead to a warning and possible removal as a Member of the SSAC. 

I understand that as a Member of the SSAC, I am committing to prioritizing the once monthly, SSAC meetings over other school and extracurricular activities. These activities may include sports practice, rehearsals, club meetings, and other similar obligations. This also means that I will look ahead at my calendar of obligations, inform the SSAC staff about possible conflicts each month, and put the SSAC staff in contact with my coaches, teachers, advisors, etc. so that my absence in the other extracurricular activities is cleared ahead of time. 

I understand that as a Member of the SSAC, an excused absence must be communicated to the SSAC staff prior to meetings and may include activities such as sports competitions, visual and performing arts performances or week-of rehearsals, college visits, SkillsUSA and Robotics competitions, and other similar activities. 

I understand that arriving late to meetings and/or leaving early is unacceptable, unless there is an excused absence reason, such as described above. 

I understand that as Member of the SSAC, I must remain in good standing as a student in a Downey Unified school, maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA, with good attendance. Failure to maintain that minimum level may result in a warning and possible removal from the SSAC. 

I understand that if I have any questions or concerns, I or my parent/guardian can get in touch with the SSAC staff by emailing StudentAdvisory@dusd.net or calling (562) 469-6513 and -6517. 

Selection Criteria

Students who submit a complete Application and Reference from will be considered for the member selection process. Selection criteria for the Student Application and Reference Form(s) include:

• Student Applicant is a current Downey Unified student
• Student Applicant attends Columbus, Downey, or Warren High School
• Student Applicant is in grade 10, 11, or 12 for the 2024-25 school year
• Student Application was submitted complete, online and by the due date
  • Student submitted satisfactory responses to:
    • What classes/activities the applicant has been involved with and how those have enhanced their leadership skills and ability to amplify voices. Activities may include extracurriculars, volunteerism, and work experience (if applicable). (250 word limit)
    • Identifying/discussing what the applicant considers the most challenging issue(s) affecting students at Downey Unified, why and what students and/or staff can do to make a difference. (250 word limit)
    • Explaining why the applicant wants to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee and what they plan to contribute to the role. (250 word limit)
• Reference Form(s) was submitted complete, online and by the due date
  • The Reference Form(s) were completed by a current Downey Unified teacher, administrator, or certificated staff (e.g. a Counselor, School Psychologist, Dean, Advisory, etc.), at the student’s current school.
  • Student received satisfactory marks in the following criteria on their Reference Form:
    • Responsibility
    • Resourcefulness
    • Cooperation
    • Reliability
    • Preparedness
    • Student is respected by peers
    • Reference’s recommendation that the student be considered for the Committee
    • Any specific skills or characteristics that the Reference thinks the student applicant has that would benefit the Advisory Committee.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process or selection criteria, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (562) 469-6513 and -6517 or email studentadvisory@dusd.net.