Downtown Magnet Academy 

School Website

Webmaster
Shawn Fisher

Enrollment: 442
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 25 to 1

School Facilities
Number of Classrooms: 24
Number of Computers: 200+

School Board District 7
Representative
Joseph Roberson

Principal
Sheila Brock

Assistant Principal
Tonya Douglass

Secretary
Mary Zimmerman

Downtown Elementary's Core Knowledge (CK) and Technology Magnet Program provides K-5 students with an innovative approach to learning through the Core Knowledge Curriculum. CK is an enriched curriculum within a carefully constructed framework of themes and ideas that all children should know. It begins by building foundations of knowledge in the early grades exposing children to a core of interesting knowledge that provides a basis for later learnings and a common ground for communication in a diverse society. CK is the common ground for uncommon knowledge.
The new Basic Skills for the 21st Century requires students to have the ability to access, analyze and communicate information effectively. Downtown utilizes technology to facilitate teaching and learning. All students have access to the Product Development Center with computers, scanners and Internet. Teachers and students utilize the classroom computers on a daily basis to enrich reading, writing, arithmetic and other basic skills through online research, e-mail communication and virtual field trips. Students develop or acquire new and interesting insights and understandings, find patterns and relationships, and synthesize, create, and innovate.

Partners in Education

• TSYS
• The Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus
• Wachovia

Honors/Awards

• Riverfest Art Contest winner
• Media Festival-State & International Winners
• Yearbook Award
• MCSD Teacher of the Year-Top Ten (5 yrs)
• Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award Winner-2 years
• Georgia Education Award Winner
• Disney Channel's American Teacher Award
• Muscogee Excellence Foundation Grant Recipient-5 years
• Teaching with Technology Award (2 years)
• Partners in Education Silver Achievement Award

Student Incentive Programs

• Citizenship Award
• Outstanding Scholar
• Honor Roll
• Principal's List
• Principal's Breakfast
• Challenger Chip Celebrations
• Star Challengers
• Core Knowledge Extravaganza
• Perfect Attendance Awards
• Problem of the Week

Technology

At Downtown, technology is used as a tool to facilitate instruction and support teaching and learning.  Students will have the benefit of having a full time technology instructor and access to a Product Development Center complete with 24 computers, Internet access and scanners.  There are 6 networked computers in every classroom, a video distribution system, classroom TV with presentation broadcast capability, satellite and cable TV.

The mission of the Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy (DEMA) is to:

• Provide a daring core curriculum
• Create opportunities for discovering the world through technology
• Provide experiences that produce dynamic self-motivated learners

School Programs

• Full-time Music and Art Education
• Family Literacy Coordinator
• Reading Specialist at each grade level
• Special Education-Self Contained and itinerant
• Pre-Kindergarten
• Technology

Special Programs

• Core Knowledge Curriculum
• Product Development Center
• E-Pals with newspaper staff
• Creating Original Opera - Metropolitan Opera
• Buddies for Breakfast with City Officials
• Key Pals
• Student Safety Patrol
• Student Council
• Show Choir
• Artists-in-Residence Program

After School Programs

An innovative, enriching Parks and Recreation Program includes technology connected activities in the school's Product Development Center, guest speakers, field trips, arts and crafts, karate dance, and foreign language (Spanish) instruction and homework assistance.

Parent/Community Involvement

   The staff of Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy believes the best education for students is assured when the school and community work together. Downtown's business partners, Wachovia, The Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus and TSYS, have been major supporters of faculty and students at the district's first Core Knowledge and Technology Magnet Program. Wachovia provides books for the Media Center, as well as readers to classes on a weekly basis. The bank supports the school through other means such as Savings Bonds for exemplary students, and recognition of excellence in teaching. The bank plans to continue to assist students in establishing savings accounts, college funds, and teaching math skills using real money. Kiwanians are partnered with classrooms providing support to teachers and students on a weekly basis. The PTA plays an active roll by sponsoring fundraisers that support programs such as artists in residence, school uniform fund, field trips, and appreciation awards.
  Other educational and local organizations are a part of the instructional program as well. Several local downtown businesses have partnered with the school through an innovative E-Pal program and a Book Club. Parents, the school's most valuable resource, form advisory counsels and perform an active role in the everyday activities as well as the evaluation and refinement of the magnet program.