
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.

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
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Serving Stauffer, Old River, and Imperial
(562) 469–6612
Jessgonzalez@dusd.net

Jessenia Velasco
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Serving Alameda, Gauldin, Columbus/Woodruff
(562) 469-6614
jevelasco@dusd.net

Valerie Castellanos
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Serving Sussman, Ward, and Williams
(562) 469–6611
vcastellanos@dusd.net

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
Program News & Announcements
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.
8 Ways to Build a Healthy Attendance Routine
Here are eight tips that can help your family build a healthy attendance routine that makes getting to school on time easier.
2024 Fall Parent Workshops with Grupo Crecer!
Please join us for our fall Parent workshop series with Dr. Grover Bravo!
Meet Your Community

Doty Middle School
Room: 31
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Griffiths Middle School
Room: 61
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Sussman Middle School
Room: 90
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Stauffer Middle School
Room: 25
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Columbus High School
Room: B-1
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Downey High School
Room: A-101
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Warren High School
Room: V-3
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