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

30 May

Williams Elementary School

Friday

Future Williams Jaguars Tour

7530 Arnett St, Downey, CA 90241

View Detail

No event found!

Program News & Announcements

Congratulations Jorge Marquez – Shared Values Award Recipient

May 23, 2025

During the May Board of Education meeting, Jorge Marquez, a dedicated bus driver for Downey Unified was recognized with the Shared Values Award in the Area of Best Staff and High Standards. For the last 10 years, Jorge has supported both general education and special...

Downey Unified Administrators Honored with Top ACSA Region 14 Awards

May 8, 2025

Dr. Cari White and Kathy Nicassio celebrated for leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success

DUSD Celebrates 2025 Mariachi Festival Winners

Apr 29, 2025

The sounds of vibrant strings, powerful vocals, and rich cultural heritage echoed throughout Downey as the Downey Unified Mariachi Festival brought the community together for a spirited evening of music and celebration. Held this spring, the festival showcased the...