DMS PTA News August 2021

JOIN DOWNING PTA

Welcome back!! Your Downing PTA is SO excited to host PTA functions and activities for the kids and teachers this year!  If you are a parent, DMS teacher, grandparent or guardian of a DMS student, we really need YOU!!  
 
Since last year was a challenge in regards to being able to host the super fun activities and serve our teachers every month, we would LOVE to be able to do that this year!  The DMS PTA  is committed to offering as many services you have been accustomed to in the past like new spirit wear and wrap packs.  As well as pouring into the teachers in a big way through morale-boosters such as teacher/staff lunches each month and funding teacher requests for classroom enhancements. We also are focused on helping our students through our Outreach program with motivational speakers and food and school supply assistance. 
 
We would love for you to be a part of the Downing PTA this year to help us do all we can to serve the students and teachers this year!  We have streamlined the process even more with our newly designed website to make it EASY.  Please click HERE and select Join Now.  You will then see the 4 different membership options.  And don’t forget to get your student a STUDENT PTA MEMBERSHIP!  That membership gives them one FREE LATE HOMEWORK PASS!
 
Thank you for considering joining our Downing PTA this year!  And thank YOU for all that you do to support our students, teachers and staff!
 
Beth Currey, VP Membership

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

You know, that moment when you sign up for a volunteer job and have no idea how to do it? Kara Steffens defines PTA pluck. Kara has intrepidly researched how our Wrap Pack selection and ordering system works and coordinated the delivery and handout of our school packs in a whirlwind back-to-school season. We appreciate her willingness to dive right into new things! 

SPIRIT WEAR

The Downing PTA hopes you’ll take a moment to visit HERE to purchase new Spirit Wear (we just added 2 super designs based on family feedback!)
 
Our first pass for ordering ends August 20, so please don’t delay.
 
As always, we thank you for supporting our school and showing off your DMS pride! If you have any questions, please contact Shelby Strafel via text at 601.850.3409.

DOWNING DINE OUT

Our first Dine-Out Fundraiser of the year is coming up on Tuesday, August 24th!  Stop by Costa Vida on Long Prairie Rd for Taco Tuesday between 4pm – 9pm and mention you are there to support Downing Middle School. Costa Vida will donate a portion of the proceeds, and you won’t have to worry about what to feed your family on the night of Open House. Everybody wins! 

HOSPITALITY

Our Hospitality team kicked off the back-to-school training week with a teacher/staff luncheon featuring oodles of Giro’s pasta, salads and bread, as well as drinks, fruit and desserts generously donated by Downing families. We are pumped for a great school year and are excited to continue lavishing attention on our hard-working Downing employees with monthly Hospitality Events. 

WRAP PACKS

Thanks to all the Downing families who purchased Wrap Packs!
The office still has additional wrap packs that can be purchased for a few more days.
6th grade- $55.06
7th grade- $54.27
8th grade- $54.36
Exact cash or check only please. 
We are proud to support our Downing students.

FALL FUNDRAISER

We are bringing back our recycling event for the fall…with the exact date to be announced. 

COLOR RUN


Due to the safety of our students and staff, we will be delaying the Color Run until Spring 2022.
We look forward to another awesome time!!

LEGACY GARDEN

Are you looking for a great way to contribute to our school and leave a lasting legacy for your student?  Ordering a personalized brick for our Legacy Garden is only $25.  After placing your order, you’ll be contacted to provide up to 3 lines (13 characters each) to be engraved on a brick for the Legacy Garden.
Click HERE to order.

 

REFLECTIONS


This year’s PTA Reflections theme empowers our students to imagine their role in changing the world. We are working with DMS Fine Arts teachers to encourage students to create original works of art in numerous categories. Entries will be due at the beginning of October, with exact dates to be announced.

BIRTHDAY GRAM

Celebrate your child and help Downing PTA all in one with a BirthdayGram—a birthday note, special candy delivery and lunchtime announcement for $15.
Click HERE to purchase a Birthday Gram

AMAZON SMILE
Shop at Amazon and generate donations for Downing Middle School PTA.
Click HERE to get started.