Our School
Meet Our Principal
Mrs. Rose Zeisel
Welcome to Rio San Gabriel Elementary School!
We truly believe it is so rewarding to be building the foundation for our students’ academic success in the future. Year after year, we continue to excel and perfect our craft to ensure that we are delivering the highest quality education. From our Professional Learning Communities within our school site, to our teachers delivering First Best Instruction, we are maximizing the achievements of all our students. Technology is embedded in all of our subjects to make sure our students are prepared for the future. STEAM, the Arts, Social Emotional Learning, and character development are also incorporated to ensure a well-rounded curriculum for the whole child. We are truly providing students with a 21st century education that ensures that they are college and career ready, globally competitive, and citizens of strong character.
For me it is an honor and a privilege to serve in the community that I grew up in. Downey Unified helped make me the person I am today, and I love the fact that I am still part of that family. Rio San Gabriel is committed to fostering the education that will enable our students to achieve their dreams.
Fun Facts:
- Mrs. Zeisel loves Wonder Woman, everything in the Superhero Universe, and Star Wars.
- She was on the track team in high school and continues to have a love of running today.
- She is really good at the Claw Machines in arcades and all of the Super Mario games.
Our Mission
Our mission is to see students reach their fullest potential. We believe all children can and will learn. We maintain high expectations and promote academic excellence. We will create a supportive school environment where all are welcomed, respected, and trusted. We will foster a positive school culture.
Our Vision
Curriculum and Instruction
- Students will receive standards-based instruction
- All students will reach Proficient or Advanced on the California Standards Test
- Students will be provided differentiated instruction
- Student needs will be met through frequent monitoring of progress and use of flexible groupings
- Professional Learning Communities (PLC) will be established and maintained at each grade level
- Response to Intervention Model (RtI) will be implemented as needed
- Instructional time is valued and protected
- Research-based strategies/materials will be utilized
Character Education
- All staff will promote and maintain a supportive and nurturing environment
- The district-adopted CHARACTER COUNTS! program will be implemented
- Parent involvement will be welcomed and encouraged
- Diversity is accepted and appreciated
Tools to Reach Highest Potential
- All staff will ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students
- All staff will be highly qualified
- Incentive programs will be in place to recognize students’ strengths and achievements
- Schoolwide behavior management plans will be established and maintained
- Allocation of school funds will be aligned to mission and vision statements
- Parent education will be provided to support ongoing classroom instruction
- Stakeholders’ (SSC, ELAC, PTA, staff, community) input will be encouraged and valued
School & Home Compact for Achievement
What is a School-Home Compact?
A School-Home Compact for Achievement is an agreement that parents, students, and teachers develop together. It explains how parents and teachers will work together to make sure all our students reach grade level standards.
Effective compacts:
- Link to goals of the school improvement plan.
- Focus on student learning skills.
- Describe how teachers will help students develop those skills using high quality instruction.
- Share strategies parents can use at home.
- Explain how teachers and parents will communicate with regard to student progress.
- Describe opportunities for parents to volunteer, observe, and participate in the classroom.
Jointly Developed
The parents and staff of Alameda School developed this School-Parent Compact for Achievement. Meetings are held on a yearly basis to review the Compact and make changes based on student needs. Parents are welcome to contribute at any time. If you would like to volunteer, participate, or observe in the classroom, please contact the school.
Building Partnerships
Your support and input are valued and instrumental in helping our students succeed! Opportunities for involvement include:
- Back-to-School/Parent Night
- PTA Meetings
- Parent Workshops
- Open House
- School Site Council Meetings
- Title I and English Learner Advisory Council
- Awards Assemblies
- District Sponsored events
District Goal
By June 2027, 90-100% of all students will perform at grade level or higher and upon graduation meet the requirements for entrance into the UC and CSU system or have developed skills to be career ready.
School Goals
By June 2027, we will continue to increase the number of students reaching proficiency in mathematics and reading.
Instructional Focus
Communication
Rio San Gabriel is committed to communicating with families about their child’s learning. We will communicate through:
- RSG Website and Social Media
- Classroom Communication App
- Parent Blackboard e-mails and text messages
- School Calendar/Flyers/Handouts
- School Marquee
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Coffee with the Principal
At School
Rio San Gabriel staff will work with students and their families to support students’ success in reading and math. Some of our key connections with families will be:
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding current academic programs and be accessible to parents/guardians to discuss questions and/or concerns.
- Provide materials and information to help parents support the school’s academic program.
- Offer Parent Workshops in Literacy and Math to provide strategies and resources for home support.
At Home
School staff, in collaboration with parents, will develop ideas about how families can support students’ success:
- Discuss and review my child’s schoolwork nightly and contact the teacher with questions and/or concerns.
- Read and use the classroom materials and information to support learning at home.
- Read with or listen to my child read every day.
- Involve my child in solving real-world math problems every day.
- Understand the importance of attendance
- Ask about homework, reading requirements, and iReady reports.
Student Responsibilities
School students know the importance of being responsible. A responsible student will come to school every day on time, prepared, and ready to learn. To make connections between learning at home and at school, students will:
- Take home, review, and discuss schoolwork and materials nightly with parents/guardians.
- Ask for help when they have trouble with their schoolwork.
- Participate in classroom discussions and group work.
- Read to and discuss the text with an adult for 20-30 minutes every day.
- Use strategies learned in class to solve real-world math problems.
- Update iPad Regularly and come to school with it fully charged.
- Complete 50 minutes or more i-Ready lessons in BOTH math and reading weekly.
- Exemplify and model the Six Pillars of Character, everywhere and all the time.