Our Mission

Excellence

 Achievement

Growth

Life-Long Learning

Equity

Strength of Character...Always Soaring Upward

Good day, Downsville Central School. A few words of wisdom.

How many bad situations can you think of around the world completely go away-totally disappear-if everyone involved would show simple kindness toward one another?

There would be no more bullying, mean spirited teasing, hatred, or violence. Why? Because you cannot be a bully with a kind heart, and it's impossible to be simultaneously mean-spirited and kind. With kindness, we can build each other up rather than tear each other down.

Now read these words from writer Henry James:

"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. the third is to be kind."

Take some time to consider how each of us can bring a little more kindness into our world. So ask yourself this: Who in the world-whether in my family or across the globe-needs a little kindness?

Make it a great day...or not. The choice is yours.

As spring approaches please check our web site for spring program information. It is shaping up to be a very busy year here at DCS. We are currently in the process of assessing all of our students using the Terra Nova and Acutity testing programs to help us form data analysis to improve instruction. If you have any question on the new testing format please contact us. It is important for me to be a visible presence in the school building and to be an advocate for students, staff and parents. I do believe in a disciplined learning environment but feel that I am firm, fair, and caring. Children do work best when expectations for learning and behavior are clear and consistent.

Upcoming Event

March 24th - 26th 3-8 Math Assessments

 You're your child’s first and most crucial teacher. If education is a priority for you, so it will be for your child.

 Here are a few simple ideas that might help you and your family during the school year.

• Make a plan for after school activities.
• Check the school's website daily.
• Use PowerSchool to check on your child's progress.
• Schedule adequate time for homework, play, clubs, sports, and practice.
• Scale back TV time.
• Establish bed times for school nights.
• Collect important phone numbers. Update doctor, work, and other listings for the school office, after school programs, and one or two neighbors.
• Create a car pool, if possible. Compare schedules with friends, and determine which parents can drive kids when you cannot drive.
• Have a back up plan. Find another parent who will exchange school pickup favors in case you get ill or delayed.
• Spruce up a study space for your child(ren). Include pens, pencils, dictionary, and other needed supplies.
• Keep children in the habit of getting ready the night before school. Set out clothes and put the backpack by the front door.

 I trust these few hints will help, and I hope this will be one of the best years ever! You can depend on us to do all that we can to be cooperative, helpful, and inspiring. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I check my e-mail in the morning and during the afternoon. You can reach me at tmcnamara@dcseagles.org or call me at 363-2111.

The Eagle Way

We will...

• recognize and value individual strengths
• learn from our mistakes
• enforce rules consistently and fairly
• be accountable for our decisions and actions
• encourage success in each other
• model respect, responsibility, and passion for learning

Timothy J. McNamara

Principal

Downsville Central School District