Eye on our Schools: February 2022
The first full month of the new year is behind us and it’s odd to think that we are in the year 2022. I want to take a moment to re-introduce myself to our Downey Unified families and community.
Since transitioning from vice president to president in December, I feel like a lot has happened, but I will get into that in just a moment. I’m Barbara (but everyone calls me Bobbie) Samperi and I’m the new Board of Education President. I was raised right here in Downey and am a proud product of our very lovely school district.
I met my husband, Daryl, at Warren High School and we have been married since 1972. Our two sons were both raised and attended Downey Unified schools, so as you can see, I’m rooted very deeply in this city and our schools. My service as a board member has always been my way to serve this community that has given my family and I so much.
Ok, enough about me, let’s get into some updates. I am very happy to share that Los Angeles County, and all of California for that matter, is beginning to see a downturn in COVID case numbers. This entire pandemic has been a series of ups and downs, and we continue to hope that things stay the course and keep getting better as we get closer to the end of this school year.
At the beginning of January, although we wish we had received them a week sooner, we were able to distribute the state-provided COVID at-home test kits to all 22,000 of our students. If you remember, we first started with a “drive through” for those students who had been missing school because they were feeling ill, in hopes to get them back into the classroom more quickly.
Then, just two days later, we were able to hand a test kit (containing two tests) into the hands of each of our students districtwide. Then to ensure that we didn’t miss anyone, we held a drive through on a Saturday that lasted over six hours for those students who were absent the day the kits were distributed in person. To say it was a very busy week for our staff is an understatement but knowing that our students and their families were being provided this extra measure was well worth it.
Now let’s get into some district highlights! I want to give huge congratulations to Doty, Griffiths and Stauffer middle schools for being redesignated with the nationally recognized Schools to Watch designation! Griffiths and Stauffer originally received this award in 2018, with Doty following close behind in 2019, and we could not be more proud that all three have been redesignated to receive this award! Our schools were recognized once again for being high-performing model schools that demonstrate academic excellence, social equity and responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents. Great job Knights, Thunderbirds and Spartans!
Next, I want to congratulate Columbus High School for being named a 2022 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education because of their continued work with students who have faced many challenges all while getting them back on the pathway to learning. This program honors continuation high schools for the comprehensive services they provide at-risk youth through instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, guidance and counseling.
Great job, CHS! Please be on the lookout for more details about this recognition to be shared in the coming weeks.
I want to thank all the teachers and staff members at Doty, Griffiths and Stauffer middle schools as well as Columbus High for ALL of their hard work in making these awards and designations possible! We could not have accomplished these goals if it wasn’t for your dedication and drive. I, and all of my fellow Board members, truly thank you!
As we look ahead, March 2 marks National Read Across America Day and throughout the month of March, schools across Downey Unified will be holding various events celebrating literacy. Make sure to keep an eye out for activities and events being shared on our Downey Unified and school site social media pages as well as on our school marquees.
I look forward to reaching out next month to tell you about more amazing achievements and updates within Downey Unified!
Bobbie Samperi
President, Downey Unified Board of Education