Hello Downey,

As summer approaches, the question of what do with our children during their time off of school arises. Summer is an amazing time for growth and maturity in all children. To keep up with school during the off months, activities like family outings, board games, and reading can help children to be engaged.

As an educator myself, I strongly recommended that parents and caregivers read with their children every day. The Columbia Memorial Space Center, Parks & Recreation Department and the Downey City Library offer several programs/summer camps where children can attend and continue their education while having fun.

The Columbia Memorial Space Center will be offering summer camp programs for students 4th to 12th grade. Subjects covered will include robotics, engineering and 3D printing. The Columbia Memorial Space Center is a hands-on learning center dedicated to bringing the wonder and excitement of science and innovation to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Through world-class programs and engaging exhibits, the Space Center strives to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers. They are currently taking registration for all camps. Also, don’t forget, all students in the City of Downey are able to visit the museum free of charge!

The Parks and Recreation Department is offering three camps for age groups 6-15 years old. They are the Wilderness Camp, Performing Arts Camp and Camp Discovery Downey. Camps are from 7 am-6 pm and vary in structure depending on age group. For more information and to register please go to downeyca.org or call 562-904-7238.

The Downey Unified School District is also offering their Summer 101 Camp. Camp is held at Griffiths Middle School and is offered to 1st to 8th graders. Early morning child care and lunch is included in the registration fee. Camp courses include STEM base programs to Writer’s Workshops. For more information and to register please visit das.edu or call 562-940-6200.

The Downey City Library Summer Reading Program runs from June 1 to July 31. This annual program is designed to encourage students to read throughout the summer months. Students can earn prizes and attend free performances at the Downey Civic Theatre. The Library Summer Kick Off Event will be on Saturday, June 2 from 11 am-4 pm. I encourage all students to attend and receive their summer activities packet and start earning prizes.

Learning should not stop this summer when the last school bell rings. Summer is an opportunity for all students to continue to learn new things. Helping children transition to school in the fall is easy if we all do all our part to guide them in the right direction. We are large influences on children, their confidence, attitude, and effort in school. With involvement and encouragement students’ academic outcome are sure to be positive.

Lastly, I would like to wish a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and give my congratulations to the graduating Class of 2018!

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Sean Ashton
Mayor

City Council Office: (562) 904-7274
Email: sashton@downeyca.org
Twitter: @realseanashton
Instagram: realseanashton
Facebook: facebook.com/electsean4downey

Mayor's Corner: Summer in Downey