Community Schools

Community Schools

Access to constructive and intellectually stimulating learning environments is essential for all students. The right educational setting guides and motivates students to reach their potential. Downey Unified School District exemplifies this through its positive academic atmosphere, secure facilities, and dedicated faculty. By enhancing academic standards and educational programs, we strive to provide exceptional learning experiences, recognizing that Our Kids Deserve the Best!

Community Schools emphasize a Whole Child approach, enhancing parent engagement, providing academic support, and strengthening connections between families, schools, and communities. This initiative aims to improve family health and build resilient communities.

community schools

Our Goals

The goal of the Community Schools initiative is to benefit every student and their family across a variety of areas, including academic performance, social and emotional well-being, mental health, basic needs, economic prosperity, and general well-being. The Community Schools initiative aims to support every student and their family in various areas, including academic performance, social and emotional well-being, mental health, basic needs, economic prosperity, and overall well-being.

Our mission is to:

  • Enhance school-community relationships to improve attendance and behavior.
  • Strengthen school-home connections to ensure student success.
  • Boost communication, collaboration, and connection among school administration, staff, and district.
  • Provide consultation, capacity building, and translation/interpretation services.
  • Forge partnerships to enhance academics and extracurricular activities.
  • Ensure on-site access to essential services and support for all.
  • Expand access to community resources, including adult ESL classes, health and social services, financial literacy, housing, employment assistance, and more!

The FACE of Our Program

A variety of participants must collaborate to ensure the success of this model. Key contributors include school administrators, teachers, support staff, counselors, community partners and agencies, parents and caregivers, students, and others who play essential roles in promoting student success and overall well-being. To implement the Community Schools model, each school will be assigned a shared Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Specialist as well as a dedicated Liaison.

Jessica Gonzalez

Jessica Gonzalez

Family & Community Engagement Specialist

 

Serving Stauffer, Old River, and Imperial

(562) 469–6612

Jessgonzalez@dusd.net

Jessenia Velasco

Jessenia Velasco

Family & Community Engagement Specialist

 

Serving Alameda, Gauldin, Columbus/Woodruff

(562) 469-6614

jevelasco@dusd.net

Valerie Castellanos

Valerie Castellanos

Family & Community Engagement Specialist

 

Serving Sussman, Ward, and Williams

(562) 469–6611

vcastellanos@dusd.net

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Setting Our Students Up for Success Academically and Mentally

Our Wellness Centers offer students a mental health one-stop-shop where they have access to counseling, clinical therapy, community resource referrals and more. Our professionals provide a wide variety of services and programs to address overcoming life’s obstacles.

All students are encouraged to utilize the Wellness Centers. Students can access its resources by visiting a center and scheduling an appointment. Our Trained Academic Counselors will also help identify students who may benefit from our services.

Upcoming Events

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Program News & Announcements

TLC 5K Race | February 22

TLC 5K Race | February 22

TLC provides a range of human services to DUSD families for free. The annual 5K is our biggest fundraiser. Sign up to help your community.

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Wellness Resources

For Students

For Parents

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Virtual Calming Rooms

Meet Your Community

Doty

Doty Middle School
Room: 31
Learn more

griffiths

Griffiths Middle School
Room: 61
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sussman

Sussman Middle School
Room: 90
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stauffer

Stauffer Middle School
Room: 25
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columbus

Columbus High School
Room: B-1
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downey

Downey High School
Room: A-101
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warren

Warren High School
Room: V-3
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