Our School

September Newsletter: 

Dear Families,

As we enter the month of September, we are thrilled to welcome our students, staff, and families back for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year! The beginning of a new school year brings renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and exciting possibilities for our Scots community. Over the summer, our dedicated custodial, administrative, and instructional teams have worked hard to prepare our campus, refine our curriculum, and ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for all students.

To ensure a smooth transition into the new school year, we ask for your assistance with our opening priorities.

1. Attendance: Regular, daily attendance is essential for student success from day one. Establishing strong habits early sets the foundation for academic progress, course completion, and high school graduation.  
2. Academics: Course syllabi, grading policies, and academic expectations will be shared during the first week. Please encourage your student to stay organized, utilize class time effectively, and ask for help early when needed.  
3. Actions: We expect all students to embody Scots pride by adhering to the behavioral expectations outlined in the Student Handbook during school hours and at school-sponsored events. Remember that personal devices must be off and away during the full school day 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM (including phones, earbuds, etc.). If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the main office at 503-261-8300 so we can relay your message.

First Week of School Schedule

We are using a staggered entry model for the first week to allow our students dedicated time to navigate campus, connect with staff, and settle in.

• Tuesday, September 8th — Orientation Day for ALL GRADES
  • 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
    • 9th Grade reports to the North Gym
    • 10th-12th Grade reports to their Advisory classroom
  • Station rotation for each grade level will include assemblies, field games, and expectations. LEAVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS AT HOME. NO PHONES/HEADPHONES. NO CHROMEBOOKS, BACKPACKS, PAPER, PENCILS NEEDED.
  • Regular morning and afternoon bus routes will run. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
  • Note: A mid-day bus will run at 12:20 for 10th-12th graders to go home while 9th graders stay on campus for campus tours and FAQs with their Advisory classes.
  • ** OPEN HOUSE @ 5:30 PM FOR FAMILIES **
• Wednesday, September 9th — 8-Period Day 
  • 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM * NOT Late Arrival
  • A-day classes in the morning, B-day classes after lunch.
• Thursday, September 10th — First Regular A Day
  • 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Periods 1-4
• Friday, September 11th — First Regular B Day
  • 7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
  • Periods 5-8

Daily Bell Schedule Reminder: Classes begin promptly at 7:40 AM, and dismissal is at 2:30 PM.

Open House

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH 

5:30 – 7:00 PM

Join us for an evening of connection and community.

Families are invited to:

• Meet your student’s teachers
• Tour the school campus
• Learn about programs and services
• Receive important information for the school year
• And much more!

We look forward to welcoming you and partnering for a great year ahead.

Communication: ParentSquare & ParentVUE

PARENTSQUARE: David Douglas School District and DDHS rely on ParentSquare as our primary communication channel for school announcements, teacher messages, attendance notifications, and event updates. Download the App: Available for free on iOS and Android, or log in via browser at parentsquare.com.

PARENTVUE: David Douglas School District and DDHS use ParentVue for reporting and updating grades (progress towards credits = graduation). Update Contact Info: Please ensure your phone number and email address are current in ParentVUE so you do not miss critical notifications.

September Dates 

• 9/8 – Orientation Day for ALL GRADES
• 9/8 – Open House, 5:30-7:00 PM
• 9/9 – Senior Sunrise, Stadium, 6:30-7:30 AM
• 9/21-25 – Homecoming Week
• 9/25 – Homecoming Assembly
• 9/25 – Homecoming Dance, South Cafeteria, 9:00-11:00 PM
• 9/28-10/9 – Senior Meetings w/ Counselors

We look forward to partnering with our families for a successful 2026-27 year ahead!

With Gratitude,
Jennifer Buscher
Principal, David Douglas High School