School News
News & Announcements
Experience Downey Unified at Our Elementary Expo
Join us February 26 at Stauffer Middle School and see what makes Downey Unified a top choice for families like yours.
Preparing Students for Their Future Through Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education integrates rigorous academics with real-world skills. In CTE courses, students explore careers, gain practical experience, and build the foundations they need for lifelong success.
TLC 5K Race is Feb 28. Register Today!
Join us on for a great cause! Details are now available and registration is still open.
You are Invited! Future Spartan Night
Discover what makes this middle school a place where students thrive. Join us for a Future Student Night and get a feel for the community.
International Baccalaureate Info Night | January 29th 6pm
We invite all 2026–2027 incoming 6th graders to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Sussman Middle School. All 5th-graders in Downey Unified have the opportunity to apply for this program, and yes, space is limited. All...
Robotics Sparks Innovation in Our Youngest Learners
Join us for two exciting robotics competitions to see DUSD elementary students demonstrate engineering skills and innovation.
You are Invited! Future Pioneer Night
Are you considering joining the Sussman community? Get ready to experience what makes Sussman Middle School a place where students thrive. Join us for Future Pioneer Night and see firsthand what it means to be part of our Pioneer family. Date: January 22, 2026Time:...
2026-27 Intra-District Open Enrollment
Our annual Intra-District Open Enrollment (formerly School of Choice) for the upcoming 2026-27 school year is now open. Downey families of students who reside within our district boundaries and wish to have their student(s) attend a Downey Unified school...
The Importance of Building a Healthy Attendance Routine
Establishing a healthy attendance routine can be for your student’s success.
“Nourish to Flourish” Contest
Calling all our talented K-12 Downey Unified students! The 2026 “Nourish to Flourish” Contest runs through February 27, 2026.
Winter Break Schedule. Happy Holidays!
As we wrap up another amazing semester, we want to wish all our students, families, and staff a joyful and restful holiday season. Last Day of the Semester: Wednesday, December 18, 2025. No School: December 19 - January 2 Classes Resume: Monday, January 5,...
The Power of Play: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Discover how play and simple family moments build kids’ creativity, problem-solving, confidence, and connection.
Building Community Through Attendance
School is more than just a place to learn. It is where friendships form, traditions are shared, and students feel like they are part of something bigger. When students show up, they are not just earning grades; they’re helping build a community that grows stronger...
Introducing DUSD’s Community Schools Initiative
Downey Unified launches the Community Schools Initiative, uniting schools, agencies, and families to support student success.
Meet Our Assistant Director of Food Services: Lily Ivanov
Registered Dietitian (RD), Lily oversees everything from menu planning to ingredient sourcing, making sure each breakfast, lunch, and snack meets federal and state nutrition standards. Learn more about her role.
Level Up: The Benefits of eSports for Students
Explore our eSports programs for grades 4–12. Teamwork, strategy, and real-world skills through competitive gaming.
The Benefits of Attending School: Your Presence is Powerful
Regular school attendance boosts academic achievement and builds a strong foundation for social skills and responsibility.
TLC 5K Race Registration Opens Nov. 1
True Lasting Connections (TLC) provides a range of health and human services free of charge to DUSD students and their families. This event is a great opportunity to come together to show support for families in our community.
Developing Great Citizens with Character Counts
Character Counts Week is Oct. 19–25! Downey Unified celebrates kindness, responsibility & character in every student.
Downey Unified’s Participation in the Upcoming Great California ShakeOut Day
Downey Unified joins the Great ShakeOut on Oct. 16 with a 9:00 a.m. drill, helping students and families stay prepared for earthquakes.
Smart Tips for Homework Success
Homework time can build success habits early. At Downey Unified, college and career readiness starts in elementary.
What is AVID and How Does it Help Students?
The district is expanding AVID, a proven program that builds student skills for success in school, college, and beyond.
Introducing AVID to Ward Elementary
Ward Elementary launches AVID for all 5th graders to help build skills for success in school and beyond!
Downey Unified’s Elementary Schools Recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools
All Downey Unified elementary schools are now Apple Distinguished Schools, recognized for innovation, creativity, and student success.
Words of Wisdom
“Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.“
– John Wooden






















