School News

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:...

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...

Establishing a healthy attendance routine can be for your student’s success.

Calling all our talented K-12 Downey Unified students! The 2026 “Nourish to Flourish” Contest runs through February 27, 2026.

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,...

Discover how play and simple family moments build kids’ creativity, problem-solving, confidence, and connection.

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...

Downey Unified launches the Community Schools Initiative, uniting schools, agencies, and families to support student success.

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.

Explore our eSports programs for grades 4–12. Teamwork, strategy, and real-world skills through competitive gaming.

Regular school attendance boosts academic achievement and builds a strong foundation for social skills and responsibility.

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.

Character Counts Week is Oct. 19–25! Downey Unified celebrates kindness, responsibility & character in every student.

Downey Unified joins the Great ShakeOut on Oct. 16 with a 9:00 a.m. drill, helping students and families stay prepared for earthquakes.

Homework time can build success habits early. At Downey Unified, college and career readiness starts in elementary.

The district is expanding AVID, a proven program that builds student skills for success in school, college, and beyond.

Ward Elementary launches AVID for all 5th graders to help build skills for success in school and beyond!

All Downey Unified elementary schools are now Apple Distinguished Schools, recognized for innovation, creativity, and student success.

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. In simple terms, it means we teach, practice, and celebrate the positive behaviors that help our students learn and feel safe at school.

Did you know that 90 percent of the brain develops before age 5? This is why Downey Unified has created exemplary early education programs.

In an effort to reduce food waste at Downey Unified schools, this school year, we’ll be introducing new share tables in our lunchrooms.

Back-to-school night is the perfect opportunity to get a preview of what your child’s school year will look like. From meeting their teacher, learning about the curriculum, and understanding the expectations; this night serves as a way to prepare...

September is Attendance Awareness Month and we want to remind you that every day counts, and we believe that your presence is truly powerful.

Starting school is a big step, and every child deserves to begin that journey feeling confident, supported, and ready to learn. That’s where Transitional Kindergarten (TK) comes in—a special, no-cost, full-day program designed just for four-year-olds. Think of TK as...