School News
News & Announcements
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.
Ward Earns California PBIS Gold Award
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.
Benefits of Early Education
Did you know that 90 percent of the brain develops before age 5? This is why Downey Unified has created exemplary early education programs.
New Share Tables Encourage Less Food Waste
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 | Sept 11
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...
Your Presence is Powerful: Attendance Awareness Month Starts Soon!
September is Attendance Awareness Month and we want to remind you that every day counts, and we believe that your presence is truly powerful.
Why Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the Perfect Start for Your Child
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...
Help Fill Student Backpacks This Back-to-School Season!
At the heart of every successful student lies a foundation of support. The TLC Family Resource Center is dedicated to building that foundation for the children of Downey Unified School District. True Lasting Connections for a Bright Future TLC's mission is to create a...
Stay Connected! Get Important Updates from Your School & the District
ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school and across the district to connect.
25-26 Back-to-School Dates & Tips to Get Ready
Get ready for Downey Unified back to school for the 2025-26 school year! Find key dates, tips, and info to help your child start the year confident and prepared.
From Elementary to Middle: How Parents Can Help
While graduating from fifth grade and moving up to middle school is certainly an exciting time in a student’s life, it can also feel somewhat intimidating because of the uncertainty of starting at a new school. Going from being the oldest grade level to the youngest...
Annual Verification (Registration) Opens July 1
What you need to know: this mandatory process occurs every summer to ensure essential information is accurate for the new school year.
Seamless Summer Meal Program 2025
Students 18 and under are able to get one free breakfast and/or one free lunch per day at any of the following locations during the days/times indicated.
Words of Wisdom
“Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.“
– John Wooden























